Sensing sun radiation using a plurality of photosensors and a pyrometer for controlling tinting of windows

ABSTRACT

Various implementations relate generally to multi-sensor devices. Some implementations more particularly relate to a multi-sensor device including a ring of radially-oriented photosensors. Some implementations more particularly relate to a multi-sensor device that is orientation-independent with respect to a central axis of the ring. Some implementations of the multi-sensor devices described herein further include one or more additional sensors. For example, some implementations include an axially-directed photosensor. Some implementations also can include one or more temperature sensors configured to sense an exterior temperature, for example, an ambient temperature of an outdoors environment around the multi-sensor. Additionally or alternatively, some implementations include one or more of an infrared sensor or infrared sensors, a cellular communication circuit, and a GPS module.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/287,646, filed on Oct. 6, 2016 and titled “MULTI-SENSOR DEVICE ANDSYSTEM WITH A LIGHT DIFFUSING ELEMENT AROUND A PERIPHERY OF A RING OFPHOTO SENSORS AND AN INFRARED SENSOR,” which is continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/998,019, filed on Oct. 6, 2015 andtitled “MULTI-SENSOR;” each of which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to sensor devices, and moreparticularly, to orientation-independent multi-sensor devices.

BACKGROUND

The development and deployment of smart technology have increased asconsiderations of energy efficiency and system integration gainmomentum. Optically-switchable windows, such as electrochromic windows,are a promising field of smart technology. Electrochromism is aphenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversibleelectrochemically-mediated change in one or more optical properties whenstimulated to a different electronic state. Electrochromic materials andthe devices made from them may be incorporated into, for example,windows for home, commercial, or other use. The color, tint,transmittance, absorbance, or reflectance of electrochromic windows canbe changed by inducing a change in the electrochromic material, forexample, by applying a voltage across the electrochromic material. Suchcapabilities can allow for control over the intensities of variouswavelengths of light that may pass through the window. One area ofrelatively recent interest is in intelligent control systems andalgorithms for driving optical transitions in optically-switchablewindows to provide desirable lighting conditions while reducing thepower consumption of such devices and improving the efficiency ofsystems with which they are integrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of an example multi-sensordevice according to some implementations.

FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic representation of an example diffusercapable of use in the multi-sensor device of FIG. 1 according to someimplementations.

FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic representation of an example housing capableof use in the multi-sensor device of FIG. 1 according to someimplementations.

FIG. 4 shows a diagrammatic representation of an example housing formedof a light-diffusing material and capable of use in the multi-sensordevice of FIG. 1 according to some implementations.

FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic representation of an example electricalsubstrate capable of use in the multi-sensor device of FIG. 1 accordingto some implementations.

FIG. 6A shows a diagrammatic representation of a second configuration ofthe example electrical substrate of FIG. 5 according to someimplementations.

FIG. 6B shows a second view of a diagrammatic representation of thesecond configuration of the example electrical substrate of FIGS. 5 and6A according to some implementations.

FIG. 7A shows a diagrammatic representation of an assembly of thecomponents of FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 according to some implementations.

FIG. 7B shows a second diagrammatic representation of an assembly of thecomponents of FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 according to some implementations.

FIG. 7C shows a third diagrammatic representation of an assembly of thecomponents of FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 according to some implementations.

FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic representation of the assembly of FIG. 7Awith the addition of the diffuser of FIG. 2 according to someimplementations.

FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic representation of an example housing covercapable of use in the multi-sensor device of FIG. 1 according to someimplementations.

FIGS. 10A-10D show various respective views of a diagrammaticrepresentation of an example multi-sensor device according to someimplementations.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show respective views of the example multi-sensordevice of FIGS. 10A-10D coupled with a mast according to someimplementations.

FIG. 12A shows a bar graph including bars each indicating a maximumdelta based on orientation for a respective multi-sensor device.

FIGS. 12B-12E each show plots of sensor data over time based onorientation for a respective multi-sensor device.

FIG. 13 shows a circuit schematic of an example circuit capable ofreceiving sensor data, processing sensor data, and communicating with anexternal system.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional side view of an example electrochromicwindow in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example control profile in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of an example network system operable tocontrol a plurality of IGUs in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of an example master controller (MC) inaccordance with some implementations.

FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of an example network controller (NC) inaccordance with some implementations.

FIG. 19 shows a circuit schematic diagram of an example windowcontroller (WC) in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 20 shows a drawing of a light sensor in a mounting structureattached to a flat circuit board, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 21 shows a graph of multiple plots of lux/temperature data takenover time by the peripheral photosensors of a multi-sensor device of anembodiment.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is directed to specific exampleimplementations for purposes of disclosing the subject matter. Althoughthe disclosed implementations are described in sufficient detail toenable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the disclosedsubject matter, this disclosure is not limited to particular features ofthe specific example implementations described herein. On the contrary,the concepts and teachings disclosed herein can be implemented andapplied in a multitude of different forms and ways without departingfrom their spirit and scope. For example, while the disclosedimplementations focus on electrochromic windows (also referred to assmart windows), some of the systems, devices and methods disclosedherein can be made, applied or used without undue experimentation toincorporate, or while incorporating, other types of optically-switchabledevices. Some other types of optically-switchable devices include liquidcrystal devices, suspended particle devices, and even micro-blinds,among others. For example, some or all of such otheroptically-switchable devices can be powered, driven or otherwisecontrolled or integrated with one or more of the disclosedimplementations of controllers described herein. Additionally, in thefollowing description, the phrases “operable to,” “adapted to,”“configured to,” “designed to,” “programmed to,” or “capable of” may beused interchangeably where appropriate.

Introduction to Multi-Sensor

Various implementations relate generally to a multi-sensor device. Someimplementations more particularly relate to a multi-sensor deviceincluding a ring or other suitable geometrical (for example, polygonal)configuration of radially-oriented or otherwise outwardly-orientedphotosensors. Some implementations more particularly relate to amulti-sensor device that is orientation-independent with respect to acentral axis of the ring. Some implementations of the multi-sensordevices described herein also include one or more additional sensors.For example, some implementations include an axially-directedphotosensor. Some implementations also can include one or moretemperature sensors configured to sense an exterior temperature, forexample, an ambient temperature of an outdoors environment around themulti-sensor. Additionally or alternatively, some implementations caninclude a temperature sensor configured to sense an interior temperaturewithin the multi-sensor device. Particular implementations provide,characterize, or enable a compact form factor. Particularimplementations provide, characterize, or enable a multi-sensor devicerequiring little or no wiring, and in some such instances, little or noinvasion, perforation or reconstruction of a building or other structureon which the multi-sensor device may be mounted.

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of an example multi-sensordevice 100 according to some implementations. The multi-sensor device100 generally includes a housing 102, at least one light-diffusingelement (or “diffuser”) 104 and a cover housing (or “cover” or “lid”)106. As shown, in some implementations the housing 102, the diffuser 104and the cover 106 are rotationally symmetric about an imaginary axis 110that passes through a center of the multi-sensor device 100. Themulti-sensor device 100 also includes multiple light sensors 112. Insome specific implementations, the light sensors 112 are positionedannularly along a ring (for example, the ring can have a centercoincident with the axis 110 and can define a plane orthogonal to theaxis 110). In such implementations, the light sensors 112 can morespecifically be positioned equidistantly along a circumference of thering. In some implementations, the multi-sensor device 100 furtherincludes at least one light sensor 114 having an axis of orientationparallel with and in some instances directed along and concentric withthe axis 110.

In certain implementations, the multi-sensor device 100 may also includeone or more infrared sensors typically located on top of themulti-sensor device 100 with a view of the sky. An infrared (IR) sensordetects radiation in the infrared spectrum that is radiated from anyobjects or medium within its field-of-view. IR sensors generally have afield-of-view that ranges from about 50 to about 80 degrees. In oneparticular example, an IR sensor has a field-of-view of about 70. Theamount of IR radiation that is emitted by medium/objects and captured bythe IR sensor varies depending on the temperature of the medium/objects,the surface and other physical characteristics of the medium/objects,and the distance from the from the IR sensor. The IR sensor converts IRradiation it receives within its field-of-view to an outputvoltage/current, which is a measurement of the amount of IR radiationreceived and the corresponding temperature of the objects/medium withinits field-of-view. Typically the IR sensor provides digital temperaturereadings. For example, an IR sensor oriented to face toward the skyoutputs readings of temperature of the region of the sky within itsfield-of-view. The IR sensor can be oriented in particular geographicaldirection (North, South, East, West, Northeast, Northwest, etc.) topreferentially capture IR radiation in that particular geographicalregion of the sky.

In one implementation, a multi-sensor (e.g., multi-sensor 100 shown inFIG. 1 and the multi-sensor 500 shown in FIG. 6B with infrared sensors115A and 115B) can be used to measure sky temperature using an IRsensor(s) or weather feed data from communications with a weatherservice to determine whether there is cloud cover or another weathercondition. For example, the IR sensor readings can be used to determinea “clear sky” condition, a “cloudy” condition with intermittent clouds,or an “overcast” condition. Communications with the weather service maybe received via a cellular communication circuit that may also beincluded in the multi-sensor 100 as described further with reference toFIG. 6B. Details of methods for using output from an infrared sensor todetermine a weather condition are described in PCT applicationPCT/US15/53041, titled “SUNLIGHT INTENSITY OR CLOUD DETECTION WITHVARIABLE DISTANCE SENSING” and filed on Sep. 29, 2015, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

Although a single infrared sensor can be used, two or more infraredsensors are typically used for redundancy in case one malfunctionsand/or is obscured such as by bird droppings or other environmentalagent. In one case, two or more infrared sensors are used to facedifferent orientations to capture IR radiation from different fields ofview and/or at different distances from the building/structure. If twoor more IR sensors are located on a multi-sensor, the IR sensors areoffset from one another by a distance sufficient to reduce thelikelihood that an obscuring agent would affect all the IR sensors. Forexample, IR sensors may be separated by at least about one inch or atleast about two inches.

Some examples of types of infrared sensors that can be used are athermopile, an infrared radiometer, an infrared pyrgometer, and aninfrared pyrometer. Some examples of IR sensors that can be used includesemiconductor resistors or diodes such as a long wave IR diode. Oneexample of an IR sensor that can be used is the Melixis® IR sensor,which is a silicon-machined thermopile with digital temperaturemeasurement output. Each IR sensor is typically devised to measure IRradiation within a specific wavelength range of the IR spectrum such as,in one case, in a range between about 8 μm and about 14 in one case, ina range between about 10.6 μm and about 12.5 in one case, in a range ofabout 6.6 μm and about 20 In one example, an IR sensor is a thermistorbolometer responsive to infrared radiation in the wavelength range of9.5 μm to 11.5 μm. In one example, the IR sensor is responsive toinfrared radiation in the wavelength range of 8 μm to 14 μm. In oneexample, the IR sensor is responsive to infrared radiation in thewavelength range of 10.5 μm to 12.5 μm. In one example, the IR sensor isresponsive to infrared radiation in the wavelength range of 6.6 μm to 20μm.

In the illustrated example shown in FIG. 1, the multi-sensor device 100further includes a first infrared sensor 115A and a second infraredsensor 115B located on an upper portion of the multi-sensor device 100positioned behind a diffusor 104. The first infrared sensor 115A andsecond infrared sensor 115B may or may not be visible to the human eyefrom outside the multi-sensor device 100. Each of the infrared sensors115A, 115B has an axis of orientation that is parallel with the axis 110and faces outward from the top portion of the multi-sensor device 100 tomeasure temperature readings based on IR radiation captured from abovethe multi-sensor device 100. The first infrared sensor 115A is separatedfrom the second infrared sensor 115B by at least about one inch. Incertain implementations, the multi-sensor device 100 is installed on theoutside a building or other structure such that both the first infraredsensor 115A and second infrared sensor 115B are oriented toward the sky.When directed toward the sky, the first infrared sensor 115A and thesecond infrared sensor 115B can output sky temperature readings. In oneimplementation, the multi-sensor device 100 can execute instructionsthat determine cloud cover or another weather condition from themeasured sky temperature and/or based on weather feed data from aweather service through communication established by a cellularcommunication circuit that also may be included in the multi-sensor 100according to a particular implementation. The determined weathercondition may be communicated to other buildings in the general vicinityvia the cellular communication circuit or another communication device.In another implementation, the readings taken by the sensors of themulti-sensor device 100 may be supplied to a building management systemor to other buildings in the general vicinity to facilitate predictionof weather changes such a cloud cover changes.

In one implementation of the illustrated example shown in FIG. 1, themulti-sensor device 100 is installed outside a building or otherstructure with its axis 110 oriented vertically upward. In this case,each of the first infrared sensor 115A and the second infrared sensor115B is oriented vertically upward and the azimuthal orientation of theinstalled multi-sensor device 100 is zero and has no impact on thetemperature readings from the infrared sensors 115A, 115B reflecting thesky temperature above the building/structure. The azimuthal orientationof the multi-sensor device 100 refers to the angle formed between a linedirected due North from the installed multi-sensor 100 and line alongthe axis 110.

In another embodiment, the multi-sensor device 100 has one or moreinfrared sensors similar to the IR sensors 115A and 115B describe withreference to FIG. 1, where at least one of the sensors is oriented toface a direction that is not vertically upward. In this case, theazimuthal orientation of the infrared sensor determines a geographicdirection (North, South, East, West, North-East, North-West, etc.) fromwhich IR radiation is preferentially captured by the IR sensor. Forexample, the first infrared sensor 115A and the second infrared sensor115B may be positioned on the multi-sensor device 100 at an angle offsetfrom the axis 110. In one particular instance, an infrared sensor may bemounted to a face in a direction that is about 11 degrees offset fromthe axis 110 which is typically at a normal to the top surface of themulti-sensor device 100. In addition or alternatively, the multi-sensordevice 100 may be installed on the outside a building or other structurewith its axis 110 in a direction that is not vertically upward. Forexample, the installer may have directed the multi-sensor device 100 atan angle due to any number of reasons such as, for example, to avoid anobstruction of the IR sensor from a clear view of the sky, for ease ofinstallation on an angled surface of an existing fixture, etc. In thisexample, the azimuthal orientation of the multi-sensor device 100 alongwith any angle offset of the IR sensor from the axis 110 determines ageographic direction (North, South, East, West, Northeast, Northwest,etc.) of the region of sky from which IR radiation is preferentiallycaptured by the IR sensor(s). According to one implementation, anexample of which is described in detail with respect to FIG. 6B below, aGPS module and associated logic may also be included in the multi-sensordevice to determine latitude and longitude of the location of themulti-sensor device and also the direction that each IR sensor isoriented to determine the region of sky from which each IR sensorpreferentially captures IR radiation. In this case, the multisensordevice may adjust the readings from the IR sensor to estimate a readingabove the building/structure. In addition or alternatively, themulti-sensor device can use the readings from regions of the sky awayfrom the building to estimate approaching weather conditions/patterns.Returning to FIG. 1, also shown is a plurality of radially-extendingarrows 116. Each of the arrows 116 represents an axis of orientation ofa corresponding one of the light sensors 112. Each of the light sensors112 is depicted in dotted line indicating that the light sensor 112itself may or may not be visible to the naked human eye from theexterior of the multi-sensor device 100 in all implementations (Asdescribed in more detail below, the light sensors 112 are positionedbehind a diffuser 104). Each of the light sensors 112 is oriented alonga respective axis of orientation extending radially outward from thecenter of the ring (along the direction of a corresponding one of thearrows 116). In some implementations, the angle of detection of eachlight sensor 112 is symmetric about the axis of orientation of the lightsensor defining a symmetric “viewing cone.” In some implementations, theangle of detection of each light sensor 112 is approximately 180 degrees(implying a nearly hemispheric angle of detection). In someimplementations, each of the light sensors 112 has an angle of view(distinct from the angle of detection) that overlaps the angle of viewof each of the two respective immediately adjacent neighboring lightsensors 112. As used herein, the angle of view of a light sensor isdefined as the angle defining a viewing cone within which half of thepower spectral density in the wavelengths of interest is captured by thelight sensor. Generally then, the angle of view is twice the angle fromthe axis of orientation to an outer surface of the viewing cone. In someimplementations, each of the light sensors 112 is the same as the otherones of the light sensors 112, and thus, the angles of view of each ofthe light sensors 112 are generally the same. In some implementations,the axially-directed light sensor 114 is of the same type as the lightsensors 112. In some other implementations, the angle of view of theaxially-directed light sensor 114 can be narrower than, the same as, orwider than the angle of view of each of the light sensors 112.

Each of the light sensors 112 (also referred to as light detectors,photosensors or photodetectors) includes a light sensitive area 113. Insome implementations, the light sensitive area 113 of each light sensor112 includes one or more photodiodes or arrays of one or morephotodiodes (for example, each of the light sensors 112 can includesilicon (Si) photodiodes). In some implementations, each of the lightsensors 112 includes a lens over the light sensitive area 113 of thelight sensor. In some implementations, the angle of view of each of thelight sensors 112 is in the range of approximately 30 degrees toapproximately 120 degrees. For example, in one specific application, theangle of view is approximately 100 degrees. In some implementations, thedistribution of incident light detectable by each of the light sensors112 approximates a Gaussian (or “normal”) distribution. Assuming thelight detected by each of the light sensors 112 is associated with aGaussian distribution, half of the power (the −3 dB point) detected byeach of the light sensors is found within a viewing cone defined by theangle of view.

However, the light signal detected by each of the light sensors 112 canin some implementations be effectively or approximately flat forpractical purposes within a 30 degree angle. Thus, the use of twelve(360/30=12) light sensors 112 results in an approximately flat signalaround the entirety of the ring of sensors as a whole (assuming theincident light was uniform all around the ring of sensors as well). Inother words, the combination of all of the light sensors 112 provides anaggregate angle of view of 360 degrees. Thus, the use of twelveequidistantly-separated light sensors 112 provides substantialorientational independence. That is, the multi-sensor device 100 can bepositioned atop a roof of a building or other structure without havingto adjust an orientation of the device 100 with respect to North or Eastaxes of a North East Down (NED) coordinate system.

The inventors have also discovered that the use of any more than twelvelight sensors does not significantly increase the uniformity in thedetection of light around the ring, especially with the use of thediffuser 104 mentioned above and described in more detail below. FIG.12A shows a bar graph 1200 including bars each indicating a maximumdelta based on optimal orientation and anti-optimal orientation (withrespect to the axis 110) for a respective multi-sensor device. Forexample, a first bar 1201 is associated with a multi-sensor devicehaving four equidistantly positioned light sensors; a second bar 1203 isassociated with a multi-sensor device having eight equidistantlypositioned light sensors; a third bar 1205 is associated with amulti-sensor device having twelve equidistantly positioned lightsensors; and a fourth bar 1207 is associated with a multi-sensor devicehaving eighteen equidistantly positioned light sensors. FIGS. 12B-12Eeach show plots of sensor data over time based on orientation for arespective multi-sensor device. For example, a first plot (the higher ofthe two) shows sensor data obtained when optimally oriented (withrespect to the axis 110) while a second plot (the lower of the two)shows sensor data obtained when anti-optimally oriented. For example,FIG. 12B shows a first plot 1211A and a second plot 1211B associatedwith a multi-sensor device having four equidistantly positioned lightsensors; FIG. 12C shows a first plot 1213A and a second plot 1213Bassociated with a multi-sensor device having eight equidistantlypositioned light sensors; FIG. 12D shows a first plot 1215A and a secondplot 1215B associated with a multi-sensor device having twelveequidistantly positioned light sensors; and FIG. 12E shows a first plot1217A and a second plot 1217B associated with a multi-sensor devicehaving eighteen equidistantly positioned light sensors.

FIG. 21 shows a graph of multiple plots of lux/temperature data takenover time by the peripheral photosensors of a multi-sensor device of anembodiment. The left hand vertical axis is light intensity in lux. Theright hand vertical axis is temperature in milli-degrees C. The redtrace is an example of a maximum delta function based on all sensors fora respective multi-sensor device.

In some implementations, each light sensor 112 also includes one or morefilters. For example, each light sensor 112 can include a hardware(physical) filter that filters the light incident on the light sensor112 before it is sensed by the light sensitive area 113. In someimplementations, the incident light can be filtered such that theresultant sensor signal output from each of the light sensors 112mimics, characterizes, or is representative of a human eye response. Insome implementations, each of the light sensors 112 is photopic in itsresponse to incident light. In some other implementations, the sensorsignal output from each of the light sensors 112 can be electricallyfiltered, for example, using digital filtering techniques. For example,the multi-sensor device 100 can include a circuit board including one ormore general purpose processors or controllers including digital signalprocessing blocks or functionality, and/or one or more specializedprocessors such as a digital signal processor (DSP).

Diffuser 104 is positioned around a periphery of the ring of lightsensors 112 to diffuse light incident on the device prior to the lightbeing sensed by the light sensors. For example, the diffuser 104 caneffectively function as a light integrator that spreads or distributesincident light more uniformly. Such a configuration reduces thelikelihood of any one light sensor 112 receiving the full intensity of apinpoint reflection or glare (such as off a car windshield, metalsurface or mirror). The diffuser 200 also can increase the detection oflight incident at oblique angles. FIG. 2 shows a diagrammaticrepresentation of an example diffuser 200 capable of use in themulti-sensor device 100 of FIG. 1 according to some implementations. Insome implementations, the diffuser 200 is a single integral structurehaving a ring shape. For example, the diffuser 200 can have a hollowcylindrical shape having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and athickness defined by the inner diameter and the outer diameter. In someimplementations, the diffuser 200 has a height that encompasses thefield of view of each of the light sensors 112 (the field of view beingdefined by the angle of view and the distance or spacing between theouter surface of the light sensitive area 113 of the light sensor 112and an inner surface of the diffuser 200.

In some other implementations, the diffuser 200 can include two or morelight-diffusing elements connected with one another with an adhesive,with some mechanical coupling mechanism, or supported in proper positionand alignment via the housing 300. For example, the diffuser 200 canimplement the diffuser 104. In various implementations, the diffuser 200is formed of a semi-transparent or semi-opaque material that is designedor selected to scatter light incident on the diffuser 200 while alsoallowing a substantial portion of the scattered light to enter throughthe diffuser 200. The light entering through the diffuser 200 can thenbe sensed by the light sensors 112 within the multi-sensor device 100.As described above, in some implementations each of the light sensors112 is depicted in dotted line indicating that the light sensor 112itself may or may not be visible to the naked human eye from theexterior of the multi-sensor device 100 in all implementations. In someimplementations, the light sensors 112 are not viewable from outside ofthe multi-sensor device 100 because their view is entirely blocked bythe diffuser 200. In some other implementations, the light sensors 112are partially visible through the light sensors 112. In someimplementations, the diffuser 200 is formed from a plastic orthermoplastic such as nylon or polyamide, among other suitablematerials. In some other implementations, the diffuser 200 can be formedfrom a metallic material such as aluminum, cobalt or titanium, or asemi-metallic material such as alumide. Depending on the material, thediffuser 200 can be 3D-printed, injection molded or formed via othersuitable processes.

FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic representation of an example housing 300capable of use in the multi-sensor device 100 of FIG. 1 according tosome implementations. For example, the housing 300 can implement thehousing 102. In some implementations, the diffuser 300 is a singleintegral structure including an annular portion 320, a hollow cavityportion 322 defined by an inner surface of the annular portion 320, abase portion 324 and a conduit 326 through the base portion 324. In someother implementations, the annular portion 320 and the base portion 324(or other portions of the housing 300) can be separate portions that arephysically connected with one another with an adhesive or with somemechanical coupling mechanism such as through the use of threads andthreading or via a pressure gasket. In some implementations, the housing300 is formed from a plastic or thermoplastic such as nylon orpolyamide, among other suitable materials. In some otherimplementations, the housing 300 can be formed from a metallic materialsuch as aluminum, cobalt or titanium, or a semi-metallic material suchas alumide. Depending on the material, the housing 300 can be3D-printed, injection molded or formed via other suitable processes.

In some implementations, the annular portion 320 includes a number ofthrough-holes (also referred to as “apertures” 328). For example, inimplementations in which the annular portion 320 is opaque, thethrough-holes 328 enable the light sensors 112 to receive and senseincident light. In some implementations, the annular portion 320 and thebase portion 324 also have circular cross-sections when viewed along theaxis 110. In some implementations, the base portion 324 may extenddiametrically outward beyond an outer circumference of the annularportion 320. Such an arrangement can be desirable so that the baseportion 324 can support a diffuser such as the diffusers 104 and 200shown and described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. Thebase portion 324 also can include post structures 330 that register withthe electrical substrate 500 described in more detail below. Morespecifically, the post structures 330 of the base portion 324 protrudethrough and align the electrical substrate.

In some other implementations, the base portion 324 may seamlesslyextend radially inward and downward from a bottom edge of the annularportion 320 towards a coupling portion (not shown) of the base portion324. For example, in some such implementations, the diffuser 104 (200)and the base portion 324 are integrally formed together as one solidintegral structure. In such implementations, the entire integralstructure is formed of a light-diffusing material such as that describedabove for use in forming the diffuser 200. FIG. 4 shows a diagrammaticrepresentation of an example housing 400 formed of a light-diffusingmaterial and capable of use in the multi-sensor device of FIG. 1according to some implementations. In such a housing 400 formed of alight-diffusing material, a separate diffuser 104 (or 200) is notneeded. In such a housing 400, through-holes 328 also are not needed.

FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic representation of an example electricalsubstrate 500 capable of use in the multi-sensor device 100 of FIG. 1according to some implementations. The electrical substrate 500 includestwo T-shaped portions 532 and 534 and a central portion 536. The centralportion 536 can include four through-holes 538, for example, forregistering with the post structures 330 of the housing 102 (or 300 or400). Shown in FIG. 5 is a bottom surface of the electrical substrate500. In some implementations, the two T-shaped portions 532 and 534 areformed from a flexible material. Copper or other metallic or otherconductive traces (not shown) can be printed or otherwise deposited onthe T-shaped portions 532 and 534 to couple to traces or otherelectrical connections on the central portion 536. The light sensors 112can be soldered or otherwise physically and electrically connected withthe T-shaped portions 532 and 534. In some implementations, the centralportion 536 is formed of a rigid material such as FR-4 glass epoxy. Insome implementations the central portion 536 forms a printed circuitboard (PCB). For example, the central portion 536 can include twosubstrates laminated over the material that forms the T-shaped portions532 and 534. For example, the material that forms the T-shaped portions532 and 534 can be sandwiched between the two substrates to form thecentral portion 536 having a laminate structure. In that way theconductive traces on the T-shaped portions 532 and 534 can electricallycouple the light sensors 112 to traces or other electrical interconnectson interior surfaces of the central portion 536. Such traces or otherelectrical interconnects on the interior surfaces of the central portion536 can then be coupled to components such as a microcontroller 540, adigital signal processor (DSP) 542, and a network interface 544 such asan Ethernet port.

In some implementations, the multi-sensor device 100 further includesone or more temperature sensors electrically connected to the centralportion 536, and in some instances, also physically connected with thecentral portion 536. In some implementations, the multi-sensor device100 includes a first temperature sensor having a thermocouple or portionthat is at least partially external to the housing 300 to sense anexternal temperature external to the housing 300. In someimplementations, the multi-sensor device 100 additionally oralternatively includes a second of the temperature sensors being atleast partially internal to the housing 300 to sense an internaltemperature within the housing 300.

“FIG. 6A shows a diagrammatic representation of a second configurationof the example electrical substrate 500 of FIG. 5 according to someimplementations. More specifically, the electrical substrate 500 is in arolled-up-and-around configuration for assembly. That is, T-shapedportions 532 and 534 may be bent upward, e.g. perpendicular to the (morerigid) central portion 536. The arm portions of the T-shaped portions532 and 534 may then be curled so as to, collectively, go into aring-like conformation so as to fit into the housing 300 or 400. FIG. 6Bshows a second view of a diagrammatic representation of the secondconfiguration of the example electrical substrate 500 of FIGS. 5 and 6Aaccording to some implementations. For example, FIG. 6A shows a firstsurface of the central portion 536 (the side including the circuitcomponents and network interface). FIG. 6B shows a second surface of thecentral portion 536 (the side including the axially-oriented lightsensor 114). The view in FIG. 6B also shows that the multi-sensor device100 further includes a first infrared sensor 115A, a second infraredsensor 115B, and a GPS module 117 located on the second surface of theelectrical substrate 500. The second surface faces toward the uppersurface of the housing 300. Each of the first infrared sensor 115A andsecond infrared sensor 115B is oriented upward with respect to the uppersurface of the multi-sensor device. If the multi-sensor device islocated outside a building/structure so that the second surface isfacing the sky, the first infrared sensor 115A and second infraredsensor 115B take temperature measurements of a region or regions of thesky. The first infrared sensor 115A is separated from the secondinfrared sensor 115B by at least about one inch.”

In certain implementations, a multi-sensor device further includes a GPSmodule such as shown in FIG. 6B. The GPS module either includes anintegrated antenna or an external antenna separate from the GPS moduleis included elsewhere in the multi-sensor device. The GPS module canoutput a signal with latitude and longitude coordinates of the locationof the multi-sensor device to provide geographical context for thereadings taken by sensors. For example, clear sky values of irradianceat the location of the multi-sensor can be determined using the latitudeand longitude coordinates and the time/date using, for example, opensource Radiance. A comparison of the clear sky irradiance values tovalues taken by photosensors of the multi-sensor device can be used todetermine weather conditions. In addition or alternatively, the GPSmodule of these implementations can output a signal with an orientationof the GPS module, which can be used to determine the orientation of thesensors. The orientation of an IR sensor can be used to determine theregion of the sky associated with the temperature readings. An exampleof a commercially-available GPS module is the AirPrime® XM0100 GPSmodule provided by Sierra Wireless® corporation of Richmond, BritishColumbia. The AirPrime® XM0100 GPS module is adapted for use with aseparate wireless module and for electrical connection to (directly orindirectly) to an interface of the separate wireless module. Anotherexample of a commercially-available GPS module is the L26 GNSS Modulemodule provided by the Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd of Shanghai,China. Certain commercially-available GPS modules have dimensions ofabout 12.2 mm by about 2.4 mm. The GPS module is electrically connectedto one or more power sources available at the multi-sensor device.

In certain implementations, the multi-sensor device includes both a GPSmodule and a cellular communication circuit. In some cases, the GPSmodule and cellular communication circuit are commercially available asa single small device. An example of a commercially-available smalldevice with both a GPS module and cellular communication circuit is FONA808 Shield−Mini Cellular GSM+GPS by Adafruit Industries LLC of New York,N.Y., which has dimensions of 69.0 mm×54.0 mm×4.0 mm.

In other implementations, the multi-sensor device includes both a GPSmodule and a beacon source. In these implementations, the multi-sensordevice may or may not also include a cellular communication circuit. Abeacon source emits a beacon signal in the form of, for example, a wi-fibeacon, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon, a UWB beacon, etc. Oneexample of a beacon source is an antenna such as, for example, amonopole antenna with a parallel ground plane that produces a Bluetoothbeacon (IEEE 802.15.1; 2.4-2.485 GHz). The beacon source can be used forcommissioning and/or geolocation. Methods for commissioning that includeusing a beacon are described in detail in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 62/305,892, titled “METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTOCHROMICWINDOWS” and filed on Mar. 9, 2016, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. Methods of using a beacon for geolocation aredescribed in detail in U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/379,163,titled “WINDOW ANTENNAS” and filed on Aug. 24, 2016, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

In one implementation, a multi-sensor device has a GPS module and abeacon source that transmits a beacon with information related to themulti-sensor device, for example, an identification number for themulti-sensor device or other information about the multi-sensor device.An installer of the multi-sensor device may have a receiver that allowsthem to read the beacon. Phones and other electronic devices commonlyhave Bluetooth receivers that could be used to read the beacon from aBLE beacon, for example. An installer may use the electronic device toread the information on the beacon to associate the identificationnumber for the multi-sensor device with geographical coordinates for aphysical location for installing this identified multi-sensor device. Amap or directory may be used to accomplish this association. Thecomputing device can then use the electronic device to receive thegeographical coordinates of the current location of the multi-sensordevice communicated from the GPS module. The computing device can thenbe used to provide directions to the installer by comparing the currentlocation of the multi-sensor device from the GPS module with theinstallation location and/or signal when the multi-sensor device is inat the installation location.

In one implementation, a multi-sensor device has a beacon source and noGPS module. In this implementation, the beacon source transmits a beaconwith the geographical coordinates for the installation of themulti-sensor device. The installer may use the electronic device to readthe geographical coordinates for the installation from the beacon andthe geographical coordinates of the current location of the multi-sensordevice communicated from the GPS module. The computing device can thenbe used to provide directions to the installer by comparing the currentlocation of the multi-sensor device from the GPS module with theinstallation location and/or signal when the multi-sensor device is inat the installation location.

In another implementation, a multi-sensor device has a beacon sourcethat transmits a beacon that can be used to determine the geographicalcoordinates of the current location of the multi-sensor device. Thegeographical location of the device can be determined, for example,using the strength of the beacon signal received and/or triangulationcalculations. For example, a beacon can be used to locate a multi-sensordevice installed on a building, in a storage facility, etc. In one case,maintenance personnel can use an electronic device with a receiver toreceive the beacon signal and locate the installed multi-sensor devicein order to repair or replace it. In certain implementations, themulti-sensor device further includes an optional cooling and/or heatingdevice. An example of such a device is a Peltier device which canoperate for either cooling or heating. A Peltier device is a solid-stateactive heat pump which transfers heat from one side of the device to theother, with consumption of electrical energy, depending on the directionof the current. When cooling is needed such as on a hot day, the Peltierdevice can be operated in the cooling mode to cool the communicationcircuitry and/or beacon circuitry to maintain effective operation. On acold day such as when snow or sleet might be present and could obscurean IR sensor or photosensor of the multi-sensor device, the Peltierdevice can be operated in the heating mode to melt the snow or ice. Acommercially-available Peltier device is the CP60233 made by Digi-KeyElectronics of Thief River Falls, Minn.

FIG. 7A shows a diagrammatic representation of an assembly of thecomponents of FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 according to some implementations. FIG.7B shows a second diagrammatic representation of an assembly of thecomponents of FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 according to some implementations. FIG.7C shows a third diagrammatic representation of an assembly of thecomponents of FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 according to some implementations. Forexample, FIG. 7C shows a view of the conduit 326 through the baseportion 324 of the housing 300. Also shown is the network interface 544mounted to the electrical substrate 500. FIG. 8 shows a diagrammaticrepresentation of an assembly 800 that includes the assembly 700 of FIG.7 with the addition of the diffuser 200 of FIG. 2 according to someimplementations. The view in FIG. 7C also shows that the multi-sensordevice 100 further includes a temperature sensor 550 located on thebottom surface of the base portion 324. The temperature sensor 550measures ambient temperature of the external environment. Thetemperature sensor 550 is located on the bottom surface to be shadedfrom direct solar radiation while be located externally. The temperaturesensor 550 may be, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, aresistance thermometer, a silicon bandgap temperature sensor, etc. FIG.9 shows a diagrammatic representation of an example housing cover 900capable of use in the multi-sensor device of FIG. 1 according to someimplementations. In some implementations, the cover 900 is formed from aplastic such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene and/or athermoplastic such as nylon or other polyamide, polyester or otherthermoplastic, among other suitable materials. In some implementations,the material can be a weather-resistant plastic. In some otherimplementations, the cover 900 can be formed from a metallic materialsuch as aluminum, cobalt or titanium, or a semi-metallic material suchas alumide. In some implementations, cover 900 can be sloped orconvex-shaped to prevent the accumulation of water. Depending on thematerial, the cover 900 can be 3D-printed, injection molded or formedvia other suitable processes. In some implementations, the cover 900includes one or more apertures or thinned portions (for example, at aregion of the cover above the device) for enabling the axially-directedlight sensor 114 to sense light incident on the top surface of the cover900, for enabling the infrared sensors 115A, 115B to measure infraredradiation incident the top surface of the cover 900, and/or for enablingother devices (e.g., a GPS module or a cellular communications circuit)to receive signals proximate the top surface of the cover 900.Additionally or alternatively, some (for example, a central region) orall of the cover 900 can be formed of a light-diffusing material. Insome implementations, an outer surface of the cover 900 around thecentral region may be coated with a reflective layer to, for example,reduce heating of the device 100. In some implementations, the cover 900can be connected with the housing 300 via an adhesive or with somemechanical coupling mechanism such as through the use of threads andthreading or via a pressure gasket or other press-on fitting.

FIGS. 10A-10D show various respective views of a diagrammaticrepresentation of an example multi-sensor device 1000 according to someimplementations. FIGS. 11A and 11B show respective views of the examplemulti-sensor device 1000 of FIGS. 10A-10D coupled with a mast 1100according to some implementations. For example, the mast 1100 canfunction as a mounting assembly including a first portion 1102 forcoupling to the base portion 324 of the housing. In someimplementations, the base portion 324 can be fixedly attached or coupledto or with the first portion 1102 of the mast 1200 via mechanicalthreading or via a rubber gasket press-on. The mast 1100 also caninclude a second portion 1104 that couples into the first portion 1102through a mechanical coupler 1106 (which may be a part of the firstportion 1102). For example, a height of the mast 1100 can be adjustedvia sliding the second portion 1104 further into or out of the firstportion 1102. A distal end of the second portion 1104 can include amounting or attachment mechanism 1108 for mounting or attaching the mast1100 to a building, such as to a surface of a roof of the building, awall on the roof, or to another structure on the roof or wall.

Power and communication cables can extend from a building or otherstructure on which the multi-sensor device 1000 is mounted through aninner lumen of the mast 1100 to and through a conduit of themulti-sensor device 1000 (such as the conduit 326 of the multi-sensordevice 100). For example, the cables can include a power cable, a groundcable and one or more communication cables. As described above, in someimplementations the multi-sensor device 1000 can include an Ethernetport that can couple the multi-sensor device 1000 to anEthernet-compatible cable enabling coupling to a network controller of anetwork system. For example, the network interface 544 can be an RJ-45connector. For example, the network interface 544 can couple themulti-sensor device 1000 to a suitable cable such as a Cat 5, Cat 5e orCat 6 cable. In some implementations, the cable can comply with the100BASE-T Fast Ethernet standard. In some other implementations, thecable can comply with the 1000BASE-T (also known as IEEE 802.3ab)standard enabling Gigabit Ethernet over copper wiring. The multi-sensordevice 1000 (or 100) can communicate sensor data from some or all of thelight sensors (for example, light sensors 112 and 114), the temperaturessensors and other sensors through the network interface 544 and thecable for communication to a master controller or network controller, asdescribed below with reference to FIGS. 16, 17 and 18. In someimplementations, the cable can enable the multi-sensor device 1000 toreceive power as well as to communicate. For example, the cable canenable power-over-Ethernet (POE). In this way, a single cable can be allthat is needed to couple the multi-sensor device 1000 with a networksystem such as that described below with reference to FIG. 16. In someother implementations, the multi-sensor device can additionally oralternatively include a wireless network interface enabling wirelesscommunication with one or more external controllers, such as the masterand network controllers as described below with reference to FIGS. 16,17 and 18.

In some implementations, the sensor data can be processed by acontroller such as a master controller or network controller asdescribed below with reference to FIGS. 16, 17 and 18. Such a controllercan further analyze the sensor data, filter the sensor data and/or storethe sensor data in a database such as the database described below withreference to FIGS. 16, 17 and 18. In some implementations, thecontroller can provide a web server user interface (UI) to a user at auser computing device, for example, via a web socket (for example,HTMLS), and in some instances, over an external facing data link. Theweb UI can display the sensor data or processed sensor data for each andall of the sensors described above. The web UI also can displayconfiguration and diagnostics (MAC address, IP address, Gateway address,Network mask, DNS, DHCP, Reboot, NTP, Event log, firmware version,firmware upgrade).

In some implementations, multi-sensor device 1000 (or 100) also caninclude a Universal Serial Bus USB interface for updating/upgradingfirmware, for testing or performing diagnostics on the multi-sensordevice 1000 (or 100) or for calibrating the light sensors 112 and 114 orother sensors of the device 100.

In some implementations, the multi-sensor device 1000 (or 100) also caninclude a battery within or coupled with the housing (for example, thehousing 300) to power the sensors and electrical components within thedevice 1000. The battery can provide such power in lieu of or inaddition to the power from a power supply (for example, from a buildingpower supply). In some implementations, the multi-sensor device 1000 (or100) further includes at least one photovoltaic cell, for example, on asurface of the housing. In some other implementations, the multi-sensordevice 1000 can be coupled with a photovoltaic cell physically connectedto the mast 1100. In some other implementations, the multi-sensor device100 can be coupled with a photovoltaic cell on a roof of the building.As described above, in some other implementations, the multi-sensordevice 1000 additionally or alternatively include a wireless networkinterface enabling wireless communication with one or more externalcontrollers. In such wireless implementations in which the multi-sensordevice 1000 includes a battery and/or includes or is coupled with aphotovoltaic cell, there may be no need to perforate the buildingenvelope.

FIG. 13 shows a circuit schematic of an example circuit 1300 capable ofreceiving sensor data, processing sensor data, and communicating with anexternal system. For example, the electrical components on the centerportion 536 of the electrical substrate 500 described with reference toFIG. 5 can include the circuit 1300. In some implementations, thecircuit 1300 can include a power over ethernet (PoE) module 1372 (forexample, the AG9703-FL provided by SILVERTEL), a network interface 1374(for example, an RJ-45 PoE jack such as the 7499210123 provided by WURTHELECTRONICS, INC.), an Ethernet board 1376 (for example, the DP83848Ethernet Board provided by WAVESHARE), a microcontroller 1378 (forexample, the PIC32MX795 provided by MICROCHIP), a receiving andamplification circuit 1380 (for example, including one or moreoperational amplifiers (Op amps) and/or differential amplifiers) forreceiving sensor data from the light sensors 112 and 114 as well asother sensors, a multiplexer (MUX) 1382 (for example, the ADG1606provided by ANALOG DEVICES), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 1384(for example, the AD7680B provided an ANALOG DEVICES), as well asvarious other components such as one or more digital or analog filtersor other communication interfaces.

In some implementations, the light sensors 112 and 114 can be calibratedvia the circuit 1300. In some such implementations, the circuit 1300 isconfigured to automatically calibrate the light sensors 112 and 114, forexample, on a periodic basis (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly) or inresponse to instructions from a controller. In some implementations,calibrating the light sensors 112 and 114 can include adjusting theoffset voltages of the light sensors to adjust the gain of the lightsensors or adjusting the dynamic range of the light sensors. In someimplementations, the circuit 1300 also can be configured to calibratethe temperature sensors. In various implementations, a memory within thecircuit 1300 can include one or more lookup tables storing calibrationdata or settings that are retrieved by the microcontroller 540 andapplied to the light sensors or to other electrical components withinthe circuit 1300.

In various implementations, sensor data obtained from the multi-sensordevice 100 can be used for determining tint values foroptically-switchable devices such as electrochromic windows. In someimplementations, the sensor data obtained from the multi-sensor device100 can be used for shadow modeling (tree or other building or structureposition) or reflection modeling of the surrounding environment (such asfrom windows or other reflective surfaces in or on surrounding buildingor structures). In various implementations, the plane defined by theaxes of orientation of the light sensors 112 can be orientedhorizontally, for example, oriented parallel with the building roof,parallel with the ground, or more generally parallel with a planetangential to a point on a surface of the Earth in line with the axis110. In some other applications, the plane defined by the axes oforientation of the light sensors 112 can be oriented vertically, forexample, oriented orthogonal to the building roof, orthogonal to theground, or more generally parallel with gravity.

Example Electrochromic Window Architecture

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional side view of an example electrochromicwindow 1400 in accordance with some implementations. An electrochromicwindow is one type of optically-switchable window that includes anelectrochromic device (ECD) used to provide tinting or coloring. Theexample electrochromic window 1400 can be manufactured, configured orotherwise provided as an insulated glass unit (IGU) and will hereinafteralso be referred to as IGU 1400. This convention is generally used, forexample, because it is common and because it can be desirable to haveIGUs serve as the fundamental constructs for holding electrochromicpanes (also referred to as “lites”) when provided for installation in abuilding. An IGU lite or pane may be a single substrate or amulti-substrate construct, such as a laminate of two substrates. IGUs,especially those having double- or triple-pane configurations, canprovide a number of advantages over single pane configurations; forexample, multi-pane configurations can provide enhanced thermalinsulation, noise insulation, environmental protection and/or durabilitywhen compared with single-pane configurations. A multi-paneconfiguration also can provide increased protection for an ECD, forexample, because the electrochromic films, as well as associated layersand conductive interconnects, can be formed on an interior surface ofthe multi-pane IGU and be protected by an inert gas fill in the interiorvolume, 1408, of the IGU.

FIG. 14 more particularly shows an example implementation of an IGU 1400that includes a first pane 1404 having a first surface Si and a secondsurface S2. In some implementations, the first surface S1 of the firstpane 1404 faces an exterior environment, such as an outdoors or outsideenvironment. The IGU 1400 also includes a second pane 1406 having afirst surface S3 and a second surface S4. In some implementations, thesecond surface S4 of the second pane 1406 faces an interior environment,such as an inside environment of a home, building or vehicle, or a roomor compartment within a home, building or vehicle.

In some implementations, each of the first and the second panes 1404 and1406 are transparent or translucent—at least to light in the visiblespectrum. For example, each of the panes 1404 and 1406 can be formed ofa glass material and especially an architectural glass or othershatter-resistant glass material such as, for example, a silicon oxide(SO_(x))-based glass material. As a more specific example, each of thefirst and the second panes 1404 and 1406 can be a soda-lime glasssubstrate or float glass substrate. Such glass substrates can becomposed of, for example, approximately 75% silica (SiO₂) as well asNa₂O, CaO, and several minor additives. However, each of the first andthe second panes 1404 and 1406 can be formed of any material havingsuitable optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Forexample, other suitable substrates that can be used as one or both ofthe first and the second panes 1404 and 1406 can include other glassmaterials as well as plastic, semi-plastic and thermoplastic materials(for example, poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polycarbonate,allyl diglycol carbonate, SAN (styrene acrylonitrile copolymer),poly(4-methyl-1-pentene), polyester, polyamide), or mirror materials. Insome implementations, each of the first and the second panes 1404 and1406 can be strengthened, for example, by tempering, heating, orchemically strengthening.

Generally, each of the first and the second panes 1404 and 1406, as wellas the IGU 1400 as a whole, is a rectangular solid. However, in someother implementations other shapes are possible and may be desired (forexample, circular, elliptical, triangular, curvilinear, convex orconcave shapes). In some specific implementations, a length “L” of eachof the first and the second panes 1404 and 1406 can be in the range ofapproximately 20 inches (in.) to approximately 10 feet (ft.), a width“W” of each of the first and the second panes 1404 and 1406 can be inthe range of approximately 20 in. to approximately 10 ft., and athickness “T” of each of the first and the second panes 1404 and 1406can be in the range of approximately 0.3 millimeter (mm) toapproximately 10 mm (although other lengths, widths or thicknesses, bothsmaller and larger, are possible and may be desirable based on the needsof a particular user, manager, administrator, builder, architect orowner). In examples where thickness T of substrate 1404 is less than 3mm, typically the substrate is laminated to an additional substratewhich is thicker and thus protects the thin substrate 1404.Additionally, while the IGU 1400 includes two panes (1404 and 1406), insome other implementations, an IGU can include three or more panes.Furthermore, in some implementations, one or more of the panes canitself be a laminate structure of two, three, or more layers orsub-panes.

The first and second panes 1404 and 1406 are spaced apart from oneanother by a spacer 1418, which is typically a frame structure, to forman interior volume 1408. In some implementations, the interior volume isfilled with Argon (Ar), although in some other implementations, theinterior volume 1408 can be filled with another gas, such as anothernoble gas (for example, krypton (Kr) or xenon (Xn)), another (non-noble)gas, or a mixture of gases (for example, air). Filling the interiorvolume 1408 with a gas such as Ar, Kr, or Xn can reduce conductive heattransfer through the IGU 1400 because of the low thermal conductivity ofthese gases as well as improve acoustic insulation due to theirincreased atomic weights. In some other implementations, the interiorvolume 1408 can be evacuated of air or other gas. Spacer 1418 generallydetermines the height “C” of the interior volume 1408; that is, thespacing between the first and the second panes 1404 and 1406. In FIG.14, the thickness of the ECD, sealant 1420/1422 and bus bars 1426/1428is not to scale; these components are generally very thin but areexaggerated here for clarity only. In some implementations, the spacing“C” between the first and the second panes 1404 and 1406 is in the rangeof approximately 6 mm to approximately 30 mm. The width “D” of spacer1418 can be in the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 15 mm(although other widths are possible and may be desirable).

Although not shown in the cross-sectional view, spacer 1418 is generallya frame structure formed around all sides of the IGU 1400 (for example,top, bottom, left and right sides of the IGU 1400). For example, spacer1418 can be formed of a foam or plastic material. However, in some otherimplementations, spacers can be formed of metal or other conductivematerial, for example, a metal tube or channel structure having at least3 sides, two sides for sealing to each of the substrates and one side tosupport and separate the lites and as a surface on which to apply asealant, 1424. A first primary seal 1420 adheres and hermetically sealsspacer 1418 and the second surface S2 of the first pane 1404. A secondprimary seal 1422 adheres and hermetically seals spacer 1418 and thefirst surface S3 of the second pane 1406. In some implementations, eachof the primary seals 1420 and 1422 can be formed of an adhesive sealantsuch as, for example, polyisobutylene (PIB). In some implementations,IGU 1400 further includes secondary seal 1424 that hermetically seals aborder around the entire IGU 1400 outside of spacer 1418. To this end,spacer 1418 can be inset from the edges of the first and the secondpanes 1404 and 1406 by a distance “E.” The distance “E” can be in therange of approximately 4 mm to approximately 8 mm (although otherdistances are possible and may be desirable). In some implementations,secondary seal 1424 can be formed of an adhesive sealant such as, forexample, a polymeric material that resists water and that addsstructural support to the assembly, such as silicone, polyurethane andsimilar structural sealants that form a water tight seal.

In the particular configuration and form factor depicted in FIG. 14, theECD coating on surface S2 of substrate 1404 extends about its entireperimeter to and under spacer 1418. This configuration is functionallydesirable as it protects the edge of the ECD within the primary sealant1420 and aesthetically desirable because within the inner perimeter ofspacer 1418 there is a monolithic ECD without any bus bars or scribelines. Such configurations are described in more detail in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/941,882 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,164,818 issued onApr. 24, 2012) filed on Nov. 8, 2010 and titled “ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWFABRICATION METHODS,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/456,056, filedon Apr. 25, 2012 and titled “ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOW FABRICATION METHODS,”PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/068817, filed onDec. 10, 2012 and titled “THIN-FILM DEVICES AND FABRICATION,” U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/362,863, filed on filed on Jun. 4, 2014and titled “THIN-FILM DEVICES AND FABRICATION,” and in PCT InternationalPatent Application No. PCT/US2014/073081, filed on Dec. 13, 2014 andtitled “THIN-FILM DEVICES AND FABRICATION,” all of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

In the implementation shown in FIG. 14, an ECD 1410 is formed on thesecond surface S2 of the first pane 1404. In some other implementations,ECD 1410 can be formed on another suitable surface, for example, thefirst surface S1 of the first pane 1404, the first surface S3 of thesecond pane 1406 or the second surface S4 of the second pane 1406. TheECD 1410 includes an electrochromic (“EC”) stack 1412, which itself mayinclude one or more layers. For example, the EC stack 1412 can includean electrochromic layer, an ion-conducting layer, and a counterelectrode layer. In some implementations, the electrochromic layer isformed of one or more inorganic solid materials. The electrochromiclayer can include or be formed of one or more of a number ofelectrochromic materials, including electrochemically-cathodic orelectrochemically-anodic materials. For example, metal oxides suitablefor use as the electrochromic layer can include tungsten oxide (WO₃) anddoped formulations thereof. In some implementations, the electrochromiclayer can have a thickness in the range of approximately 0.05 μm toapproximately 1 μm.

In some implementations, the counter electrode layer is formed of aninorganic solid material. The counter electrode layer can generallyinclude one or more of a number of materials or material layers that canserve as a reservoir of ions when the EC device 1410 is in, for example,the transparent state. In certain implementations, the counter electrodenot only serves as an ion storage layer but also colors anodically. Forexample, suitable materials for the counter electrode layer includenickel oxide (NiO) and nickel tungsten oxide (NiWO), as well as dopedforms thereof, such as nickel tungsten tantalum oxide, nickel tungstentin oxide, nickel vanadium oxide, nickel chromium oxide, nickel aluminumoxide, nickel manganese oxide, nickel magnesium oxide, nickel tantalumoxide, nickel tin oxide as non-limiting examples. In someimplementations, the counter electrode layer can have a thickness in therange of approximately 0.05 μm to approximately 1 μm.

The ion-conducting layer serves as a medium through which ions aretransported (for example, in the manner of an electrolyte) when the ECstack 1412 transitions between optical states. In some implementations,the ion-conducting layer is highly conductive to the relevant ions forthe electrochromic and the counter electrode layers, but also hassufficiently low electron conductivity such that negligible electrontransfer (electrical shorting) occurs during normal operation. A thinion-conducting layer with high ionic conductivity enables fast ionconduction and consequently fast switching for high performance ECdevices 1410. In some implementations, the ion-conducting layer can havea thickness in the range of approximately 1 nm to approximately 500 nm,more generally in the range of about 5 nm to about 100 nm thick. In someimplementations, the ion-conducting layer also is an inorganic solid.For example, the ion-conducting layer can be formed from one or moresilicates, silicon oxides (including silicon-aluminum-oxide), tungstenoxides (including lithium tungstate), tantalum oxides, niobium oxides,lithium oxide and borates. These materials also can be doped withdifferent dopants, including lithium; for example, lithium-doped siliconoxides include lithium silicon-aluminum-oxide, lithium phosphorousoxynitride (LiPON) and the like.

In some other implementations, the electrochromic layer and the counterelectrode layer are formed immediately adjacent one another, sometimesin direct contact, without an ion-conducting layer in between and thenan ion conductor material formed in situ between the electrochromic andcounter electrode layers. A further description of suitable devices isfound in U.S. Pat. No. 8,764,950, issued on Jul. 1, 2014 and titled“ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/462,725, filed on May 2, 2012 and titled “ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES;”each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Insome implementations, the EC stack 1412 also can include one or moreadditional layers such as one or more passive layers. For example,passive layers can be used to improve certain optical properties, toprovide moisture or to provide scratch resistance. These or otherpassive layers also can serve to hermetically seal the EC stack 1412.Additionally, various layers, including conducting layers (such as thefirst and the second TCO layers 1414 and 1416 described below), can betreated with anti-reflective or protective oxide or nitride layers.

The selection or design of the electrochromic and counter electrodematerials generally governs the possible optical transitions. Duringoperation, in response to a voltage generated across the thickness ofthe EC stack 1412 (for example, between the first and the second TCOlayers 1414 and 1416), the electrochromic layer transfers or exchangesions to or from the counter electrode layer to drive the electrochromiclayer to the desired optical state. In some implementations, to causethe EC stack 1412 to transition to a transparent state, a positivevoltage is applied across the EC stack 1412 (for example, such that theelectrochromic layer is more positive than the counter electrode layer).In some such implementations, in response to the application of thepositive voltage, the available ions in the stack reside primarily inthe counter electrode layer. When the magnitude of the potential acrossthe EC stack 1412 is reduced or when the polarity of the potential isreversed, ions are transported back across the ion conducting layer tothe electrochromic layer causing the electrochromic material totransition to an opaque state (or to a “more tinted,” “darker” or “lesstransparent” state). Conversely, in some other implementations usingelectrochromic layers having different properties, to cause the EC stack1412 to transition to an opaque state, a negative voltage can be appliedto the electrochromic layer relative to the counter electrode layer. Insuch implementations, when the magnitude of the potential across the ECstack 1412 is reduced or its polarity reversed, the ions are transportedback across the ion conducting layer to the electrochromic layer causingthe electrochromic material to transition to a clear or “bleached” state(or to a “less tinted”, “lighter” or “more transparent” state).

In some implementations, the transfer or exchange of ions to or from thecounter electrode layer also results in an optical transition in thecounter electrode layer. For example, in some implementations theelectrochromic and counter electrode layers are complementary coloringlayers. More specifically, in some such implementations, when or afterions are transferred into the counter electrode layer, the counterelectrode layer becomes more transparent, and similarly, when or afterthe ions are transferred out of the electrochromic layer, theelectrochromic layer becomes more transparent. Conversely, when thepolarity is switched, or the potential is reduced, and the ions aretransferred from the counter electrode layer into the electrochromiclayer, both the counter electrode layer and the electrochromic layerbecome less transparent.

In one more specific example, responsive to the application of anappropriate electric potential across a thickness of EC stack 1412, thecounter electrode layer transfers all or a portion of the ions it holdsto the electrochromic layer causing the optical transition in theelectrochromic layer. In some such implementations, for example, whenthe counter electrode layer is formed from NiWO, the counter electrodelayer also optically transitions with the loss of ions it hastransferred to the electrochromic layer. When charge is removed from acounter electrode layer made of NiWO (that is, ions are transported fromthe counter electrode layer to the electrochromic layer), the counterelectrode layer will transition in the opposite direction.

Generally, the transition of the electrochromic layer from one opticalstate to another optical state can be caused by reversible ion insertioninto the electrochromic material (for example, by way of intercalation)and a corresponding injection of charge-balancing electrons. In someinstances, some fraction of the ions responsible for the opticaltransition is irreversibly bound up in the electrochromic material. Someor all of the irreversibly bound ions can be used to compensate for“blind charge” in the material. In some implementations, suitable ionsinclude lithium ions (Li+) and hydrogen ions (H+) (i.e., protons). Insome other implementations, other ions can be suitable. Intercalation oflithium ions, for example, into tungsten oxide (WO_(3-y), (0<y≤˜0.3))causes the tungsten oxide to change from a transparent state to a bluestate.

The description below generally focuses on tinting transitions. Oneexample of a tinting transition is a transition from a transparent (or“translucent,” “bleached” or “least tinted”) state to an opaque (or“fully darkened” or “fully tinted”) state. Another example of a tintingtransition is the reverse—a transition from an opaque state to atransparent state. Other examples of tinting transitions includestransitions to and from various intermediate tint states, for example, atransition from a less tinted, lighter or more transparent state to amore tinted, darker or less transparent state, and vice versa. Each ofsuch tint states, and the tinting transitions between them, may becharacterized or described in terms of percent transmission. Forexample, a tinting transition can be described as being from a currentpercent transmission (% T) to a target % T. Conversely, in some otherinstances, each of the tint states and the tinting transitions betweenthem may be characterized or described in terms of percent tinting; forexample, a transition from a current percent tinting to a target percenttinting.

However, although the following description generally focuses on tintstates and tinting transitions between tint states, other optical statesand optical transitions also are achievable in various implementations.As such, where appropriate and unless otherwise indicated, references totint states or tinting transitions also are intended to encompass otheroptical states and optical transitions. In other words, optical statesand optical state transitions also will be referred to herein as tintstates and tint state transitions, respectively, but this is notintended to limit the optical states and state transitions achievable bythe IGUs 1602. For example, such other optical states and statetransitions can include states and state transitions associated withvarious colors, intensities of color (for example, from lighter blue todarker blue and vice versa), reflectivity (for example, from lessreflective to more reflective and vice versa), polarization (forexample, from less polarization to more polarization and vice versa),and scattering density (for example, from less scattering to morescattering and vice versa), among others. Similarly, references todevices, control algorithms or processes for controlling tint states,including causing tinting transitions and maintaining tint states, alsoare intended to encompass such other optical transitions and opticalstates. Additionally, controlling the voltage, current or otherelectrical characteristics provided to an optically-switchable device,and the functions or operations associated with such controlling, alsomay be described hereinafter as “driving” the device or the respectiveIGU, whether or not the driving involves a tint state transition or themaintaining of a current tint state.

The ECD 1410 generally includes first and second conducting (or“conductive”) layers. For example, the ECD 1410 can includes a firsttransparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer 1414 adjacent a first surfaceof the EC stack 1412 and a second TCO layer 1416 adjacent a secondsurface of the EC stack 1412. In some implementations, the first TCOlayer 1414 can be formed on the second surface S2, the EC stack 1412 canbe formed on the first TCO layer 1414, and the second TCO layer 1416 canbe formed on the EC stack 1412. In some implementations, the first andthe second TCO layers 1414 and 1416 can each be formed of one or moremetal oxides including metal oxides doped with one or more metals. Forexample, some suitable metal oxides and doped metal oxides can includeindium oxide, indium tin oxide (ITO), doped indium oxide, tin oxide,doped tin oxide, fluorinated tin oxide, zinc oxide, aluminum zinc oxide,doped zinc oxide, ruthenium oxide and doped ruthenium oxide, amongothers. While such materials are referred to as TCOs in this document,the term encompasses non-oxides as well as oxides that are transparentand electrically conductive such as certain thin film metals and certainnon-metallic materials such as conductive metal nitrides and compositeconductors, among other suitable materials. In some implementations, thefirst and the second TCO layers 1414 and 1416 are substantiallytransparent at least in the range of wavelengths where electrochromismis exhibited by the EC stack 1412. In some implementations, the firstand the second TCO layers 1414 and 1416 can each be deposited byphysical vapor deposition (PVD) processes including, for example,sputtering. In some implementations, the first and the second TCO layers1414 and 1416 can each have a thickness in the range of approximately0.01 microns (μall) to approximately 1 μm. A transparent conductivematerial typically has an electronic conductivity significantly greaterthan that of the electrochromic material or the counter electrodematerial.

The first and the second TCO layers 1414 and 1416 serve to distributeelectrical charge across respective first and second surfaces of the ECstack 1412 to apply an electrical potential (voltage) across thethickness of the EC stack 1412. For example, a first applied voltage canbe applied to a first one of the TCO layers and a second applied voltagecan be applied to a second one of the TCO layers. In someimplementations, a first busbar 1426 distributes the first appliedvoltage to the first TCO layer 1414 and a second busbar 1428 distributesthe second applied voltage to the second TCO layer 1416. In some otherimplementations, one of the first and the second busbars 1426 and 1428can ground the respective one of the first and the second TCO layers1414 and 1416. In other implementations the load can be floated withrespect to the two TCO layers. In various implementations, to modify oneor more optical properties of the EC stack 1412, and thus cause anoptical transition, a controller can alter one or both of the first andsecond applied voltages to bring about a change in one or both of themagnitude and the polarity of the effective voltage applied across theEC stack 1412. Desirably, the first and the second TCO layers 1414 and1416 serve to uniformly distribute electrical charge over respectivesurfaces of the EC stack 1412 with relatively little Ohmic potentialdrop from the outer regions of the respective surfaces to the innerregions of the surfaces. As such, it is generally desirable to minimizethe sheet resistance of the first and the second TCO layers 1414 and1416. In other words, it is generally desirable that each of the firstand the second TCO layers 1414 and 1416 behaves as a substantiallyequipotential layer across all portions of the respective layer. In thisway, the first and the second TCO layers 1414 and 1416 can uniformlyapply an electric potential across a thickness of the EC stack 1412 toeffect a uniform optical transition of the EC stack 1412.

In some implementations, each of the first and the second busbars 1426and 1428 is printed, patterned, or otherwise formed such that it isoriented along a length of the first pane 1404 along at least one borderof the EC stack 1412. For example, each of the first and the secondbusbars 1426 and 1428 can be formed by depositing a conductive ink, suchas a silver ink, in the form of a line. In some implementations, each ofthe first and the second busbars 1426 and 1428 extends along the entirelength (or nearly the entire length) of the first pane 1404, and in someimplementations, along more than one edge of the EC stack 1412.

In some implementations, the first TCO layer 1414, the EC stack 1412 andthe second TCO layer 1416 do not extend to the edges of the first pane1404. For example, a laser edge delete (LED) or other operation can beused to remove portions of the first TCO layer 1414, the EC stack 1412and the second TCO layer 1416 such that these layers are separated orinset from the respective edges of the first pane 1404 by a distance“G,” which can be in the range of approximately 8 mm to approximately 10mm (although other distances are possible and may be desirable).Additionally, in some implementations, an edge portion of the EC stack1412 and the second TCO layer 1416 along one side of the first pane 1404is removed to enable the first busbar 1426 to be formed on the first TCOlayer 1414 to enable conductive coupling between the first busbar 1426and the first TCO layer 1414. The second busbar 1428 is formed on thesecond TCO layer 1416 to enable conductive coupling between the secondbusbar 1428 and the second TCO layer 1416. In some implementations, thefirst and the second busbars 1426 and 1428 are formed in a regionbetween spacer 1418 and the first pane 1404 as shown in FIG. 14. Forexample, each of the first and the second busbars 1426 and 1428 can beinset from an inner edge of spacer 1418 by at least a distance “F,”which can be in the range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 3 mm(although other distances are possible and may be desirable). Thisarrangement can be advantageous for a number of reasons including, forexample, to hide the busbars from view.

As noted above, the usage of the IGU convention is for convenience only.Indeed, in some implementations the basic unit of an electrochromicwindow can be defined as a pane or substrate of transparent material,upon which an ECD is formed or otherwise arranged, and to whichassociated electrical connections are coupled (to drive the ECD). Assuch, references to an IGU in the following description do notnecessarily include all of the components described with reference tothe IGU 1400 of FIG. 14.

Example Control Profile for Driving Optical Transitions

FIG. 15 illustrates an example control profile 1500 in accordance withsome implementations. The control profile 1500 can be used to drive atransition in an optically-switchable device, such as the ECD 1410described above. In some implementations, a window controller can beused to generate and apply the control profile 1500 to drive an ECD froma first optical state (for example, a transparent state or a firstintermediate state) to a second optical state (for example, a fullytinted state or a more tinted intermediate state). To drive the ECD inthe reverse direction—from a more tinted state to a less tintedstate—the window controller can apply a similar but inverted profile.For example, the control profile for driving the ECD from the secondoptical state to the first optical state can be a mirror image of thevoltage control profile depicted in FIG. 15. In some otherimplementations, the control profiles for tinting and lightening can beasymmetric. For example, transitioning from a first more tinted state toa second less tinted state can in some instances require more time thanthe reverse; that is, transitioning from the second less tinted state tothe first more tinted state. In some other instances, the reverse may betrue; that is, transitioning from the second less tinted state to thefirst more tinted state can require more time. In other words, by virtueof the device architecture and materials, bleaching or lightening is notnecessarily simply the reverse of coloring or tinting. Indeed, ECDsoften behave differently for each transition due to differences indriving forces for ion intercalation and deintercalation to and from theelectrochromic materials.

In some implementations, the control profile 1500 is a voltage controlprofile implemented by varying a voltage provided to the ECD. Forexample, the solid line in FIG. 15 represents an effective voltageV_(Eff) applied across the ECD over the course of a tinting transitionand a subsequent maintenance period. In other words, the solid line canrepresent the relative difference in the electrical voltages V_(App1)and V_(App2) applied to the two conducting layers of the ECD (forexample, the first and the second TCO layers 1414 and 1416 of the ECD1410). The dashed line in FIG. 15 represents a corresponding currentdensity (I) through the device. In the illustrated example, the voltagecontrol profile 1500 includes four stages: a ramp-to-drive stage 1502that initiates the transition, a drive stage that continues to drive thetransition, a ramp-to-hold stage, and subsequent hold stage.

The ramp-to-drive stage 1502 is characterized by the application of avoltage ramp that increases in magnitude from an initial value at timet₀ to a maximum driving value of V_(Drive) at time t₁. In someimplementations, the ramp-to-drive stage 1502 can be defined by threedrive parameters known or set by the window controller: the initialvoltage at t₀ (the current voltage across the ECD at the start of thetransition), the magnitude of V_(Drive) (governing the ending opticalstate), and the time duration during which the ramp is applied(dictating the speed of the transition). Additionally or alternatively,the window controller also can set a target ramp rate, a maximum ramprate or a type of ramp (for example, a linear ramp, a second degree rampor an n^(th)-degree ramp). In some applications, the ramp rate can belimited to avoid damaging the ECD.

The drive stage 1504 is characterized by the application of a constantvoltage V_(Drive) starting at time t₁ and ending at time t₂, at whichpoint the ending optical state is reached (or approximately reached).The ramp-to-hold stage 1506 is characterized by the application of avoltage ramp that decreases in magnitude from the drive value V_(Drive)at time t₂ to a minimum holding value of V_(Hold) at time t₃. In someimplementations, the ramp-to-hold stage 1506 can be defined by threedrive parameters known or set by the window controller: the drivevoltage V_(Drive), the holding voltage V_(Hold), and the time durationduring which the ramp is applied. Additionally or alternatively, thewindow controller also can set a ramp rate or a type of ramp (forexample, a linear ramp, a second degree ramp or an n^(th)-degree ramp).

The hold stage 1508 is characterized by the application of a constantvoltage V_(Hold) starting at time t₃. The holding voltage V_(Hold) isused to maintain the ECD at the ending optical state. As such, theduration of the application of the holding voltage V_(hold) may beconcomitant with the duration of time that the ECD is to be held in theending optical state. For example, because of non-idealities associatedwith the ECD, a leakage current I_(Leak) can result in the slow drainageof electrical charge from the ECD. This drainage of electrical chargeresults in a corresponding reversal of ions across the ECD, andconsequently, a slow reversal of the optical transition. In suchapplications, the holding voltage V_(Hold) can be continuously appliedto counter or prevent the leakage current. In some otherimplementations, the holding voltage V_(Hold) can be appliedperiodically to “refresh” the desired optical state, or in other words,to bring the ECD back to the desired optical state.

The voltage control profile 1500 illustrated and described withreference to FIG. 15 is only one example of a voltage control profilesuitable for some implementations. However, many other profiles may bedesirable or suitable in such implementations or in various otherimplementations or applications. These other profiles also can readilybe achieved using the controllers and optically-switchable devicesdisclosed herein. For example, in some implementations, a currentprofile can be applied instead of a voltage profile. In some suchinstances, a current control profile similar to that of the currentdensity shown in FIG. 15 can be applied. In some other implementations,a control profile can have more than four stages. For example, a voltagecontrol profile can include one or more overdrive stages. In one exampleimplementation, the voltage ramp applied during the first stage 1502 canincrease in magnitude beyond the drive voltage V_(Drive) to an overdrivevoltage V_(OD). In some such implementations, the first stage 1502 canbe followed by a ramp stage 1503 during which the applied voltagedecreases from the overdrive voltage V_(OD) to the drive voltageV_(Drive). In some other such implementations, the overdrive voltageV_(OD) can be applied for a relatively short time duration before theramp back down to the drive voltage V_(Drive).

Additionally, in some implementations, the applied voltage or currentprofiles can be interrupted for relatively short durations of time toprovide open circuit conditions across the device. While such opencircuit conditions are in effect, an actual voltage or other electricalcharacteristics can be measured, detected or otherwise determined tomonitor how far along an optical transition has progressed, and in someinstances, to determine whether changes in the profile are desirable.Such open circuit conditions also can be provided during a hold stage todetermine whether a holding voltage V_(Hold) should be applied orwhether a magnitude of the holding voltage V_(Hold) should be changed.Additional information related to driving and monitoring an opticaltransition is provided in PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US14/43514filed 20 Jun. 2014 and titled CONTROLLING TRANSITIONS IN OPTICALLYSWITCHABLE DEVICES, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

Example Controller Network Architecture

In many instances, optically-switchable windows can form or occupysubstantial portions of a building envelope. For example, theoptically-switchable windows can form substantial portions of the walls,facades and even roofs of a corporate office building, other commercialbuilding or a residential building. In various implementations, adistributed network of controllers can be used to control theoptically-switchable windows. FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of anexample network system, 1600, operable to control a plurality of IGUs1602 in accordance with some implementations. For example, each of theIGUs 1602 can be the same or similar to the IGU 1400 described abovewith reference to FIG. 14. One primary function of the network system1600 is controlling the optical states of the ECDs (or otheroptically-switchable devices) within the IGUs 1602. In variousimplementations, the network system 1600 is operable to control theelectrical characteristics of the power signals provided to the IGUs1602. For example, the network system 1600 can generate and communicatetinting instructions (also referred to herein as “tint commands”) tocontrol voltages applied to the ECDs within the IGUs 1602.

In some implementations, another function of the network system 1600 isto acquire status information from the IGUs 1602 (hereinafter“information” is used interchangeably with “data”). For example, thestatus information for a given IGU can include an identification of, orinformation about, a current tint state of the ECD(s) within the IGU.The network system 1600 also can be operable to acquire data fromvarious sensors, such as photosensors (also referred to herein asphotodetectors, light sensors or light detectors), temperature sensors,humidity sensors, air flow sensors, or occupancy sensors, whetherintegrated on or within the IGUs 1602 or located at various otherpositions in, on or around the building.

The network system 1600 can include any suitable number of distributedcontrollers having various capabilities or functions. In someimplementations, the functions and arrangements of the variouscontrollers are defined hierarchically. For example, the network system1600 includes a plurality of distributed window controllers (WCs) 304, aplurality of network controllers (NCs) 306, and a master controller (MC)308. In some implementations, the MC 1608 can communicate with andcontrol tens or hundreds of NCs 1606. In various implementations, the MC1608 issues high level instructions to the NCs 1606 over one or morewired or wireless links 1616 (hereinafter collectively referred to as“link 1616”). The instructions can include, for example, tint commandsfor causing transitions in the optical states of the IGUs 1602controlled by the respective NCs 1606. Each NC 1606 can, in turn,communicate with and control a number of WCs 1604 over one or more wiredor wireless links 1614 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “link1614”). For example, each NC 1606 can control tens or hundreds of theWCs 1604. Each WC 1604 can, in turn, communicate with, drive orotherwise control one or more respective IGUs 1602 over one or morewired or wireless links 1612 (hereinafter collectively referred to as“link 1612”).

The MC 1608 can issue communications including tint commands, statusrequest commands, data (for example, sensor data) request commands orother instructions. In some implementations, the MC 1608 can issue suchcommunications periodically, at certain predefined times of day (whichmay change based on the day of week or year), or based on the detectionof particular events, conditions or combinations of events or conditions(for example, as determined by acquired sensor data or based on thereceipt of a request initiated by a user or by an application). In someimplementations, when the MC 1608 determines to cause a tint statechange in a set of one or more IGUs 1602, the MC 1608 generates orselects a tint value corresponding to the desired tint state. In someimplementations, the set of IGUs 1602 is associated with a firstprotocol identifier (ID) (for example, a BACnet ID). The MC 1608 thengenerates and transmits a communication—referred to herein as a “primarytint command”— including the tint value and the first protocol ID overthe link 1616 via a first communication protocol (for example, a BACnetcompatible protocol). In some implementations, the MC 1608 addresses theprimary tint command to the particular NC 1606 that controls theparticular one or more WCs 1604 that, in turn, control the set of IGUs1602 to be transitioned.

In some implementations, the NC 1606 receives the primary tint commandincluding the tint value and the first protocol ID and maps the firstprotocol ID to one or more second protocol IDs. In some implementations,each of the second protocol IDs identifies a corresponding one of theWCs 1604. The NC 1606 subsequently transmits a secondary tint commandincluding the tint value to each of the identified WCs 1604 over thelink 1614 via a second communication protocol. In some implementations,each of the WCs 1604 that receives the secondary tint command thenselects a voltage or current profile from an internal memory based onthe tint value to drive its respectively connected IGUs 1602 to a tintstate consistent with the tint value. Each of the WCs 1604 thengenerates and provides voltage or current signals over the link 1612 toits respectively connected IGUs 1602 to apply the voltage or currentprofile.

In some implementations, the various IGUs 1602 can be advantageouslygrouped into zones of EC windows, each of which zones includes a subsetof the IGUs 1602. In some implementations, each zone of IGUs 1602 iscontrolled by one or more respective NCs 1606 and one or more respectiveWCs 1604 controlled by these NCs 1606. In some more specificimplementations, each zone can be controlled by a single NC 1606 and twoor more WCs 1604 controlled by the single NC 1606. Said another way, azone can represent a logical grouping of the IGUs 1602. For example,each zone may correspond to a set of IGUs 1602 in a specific location orarea of the building that are driven together based on their location.As a more specific example, consider a building having four faces orsides: a North face, a South face, an East Face and a West Face.Consider also that the building has ten floors. In such a didacticexample, each zone can correspond to the set of electrochromic windows1400 on a particular floor and on a particular one of the four faces.Additionally or alternatively, each zone may correspond to a set of IGUs1602 that share one or more physical characteristics (for example,device parameters such as size or age). In some other implementations, azone of IGUs 1602 can be grouped based on one or more non-physicalcharacteristics such as, for example, a security designation or abusiness hierarchy.

In some such implementations of zones of IGUs, each NC 1606 can addressall of the IGUs 1602 in each of one or more respective zones. Forexample, the MC 1608 can issue a primary tint command to the NC 1606that controls a target zone. The primary tint command can include anabstract identification of the target zone (hereinafter also referred toas a “zone ID”). In some such implementations, the zone ID can be afirst protocol ID such as that just described in the example above. Insuch cases, the NC 1606 receives the primary tint command including thetint value and the zone ID and maps the zone ID to the second protocolIDs associated with the WCs 1604. In some other implementations, thezone ID can be a higher level abstraction than the first protocol IDs.In such cases, the NC 1606 can first map the zone ID to one or morefirst protocol IDs, and subsequently map the first protocol IDs to thesecond protocol IDs.

In some implementations, the MC 1608 is coupled to one or moreoutward-facing networks, 1610, (hereinafter collectively referred to as“the outward-facing network 1610”) via one or more wired or wirelesslinks 1618 (hereinafter “link 1618”). In some such implementations, theMC 1608 can communicate acquired status information or sensor data toremote computers, mobile devices, servers, databases in or accessible bythe outward-facing network 1610. In some implementations, variousapplications, including third party applications or cloud-basedapplications, executing within such remote devices can access data fromor provide data to the MC 1608. In some implementations, authorizedusers or applications can communicate requests to modify the tint statesof various IGUs 1602 to the MC 1608 via the network 1610. In someimplementations, the MC 1608 can first determine whether to grant therequest (for example, based on power considerations or based on whetherthe user has the appropriate authorization) prior to issuing a tintcommand. The MC 1608 can then calculate, determine, select or otherwisegenerate a tint value and transmit the tint value in a primary tintcommand to cause the tint state transitions in the adjoining IGUs 1602.

For example, a user can submit such a request from a computing device,such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer or mobiledevice (for example, a smartphone). In some such implementations, theuser's computing device can execute a client-side application that iscapable of communicating with the MC 1608, and in some instances, with amaster controller application executing within the MC 1608. In someother implementations, the client-side application can communicate witha separate application, in the same or a different physical device orsystem as the MC 1608, which then communicates with the mastercontroller application to effect the desired tint state modifications.In some implementations, the master application or other separateapplication can be used to authenticate the user to authorize requestssubmitted by the user. In some implementations, the user can select theIGUs 1602 to be tinted, and inform the MC 1608 of the selections, byentering a room number via the client-side application.

Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, a user's mobiledevice or other computing device can communicate wirelessly with variousWCs 1604. For example, a client-side application executing within auser's mobile device can transmit wireless communications including tintstate control signals to a WC 1604 to control the tint states of therespective IGUs 1602 connected to the WC 1604. For example, the user canuse the client-side application to maintain or modify the tint states ofthe IGUs 1602 adjoining a room occupied by the user (or to be occupiedby the user or others at a future time). Such wireless communicationscan be generated, formatted or transmitted using various wirelessnetwork topologies and protocols (described in more detail below withreference to the WC 1900 of FIG. 19).

In some such implementations, the control signals sent to the respectiveWC 1604 from the user's mobile device (or other computing device) canoverride a tint value previously received by the WC 1604 from therespective NC 1606. In other words, the WC 1604 can provide the appliedvoltages to the IGUs 1602 based on the control signals from the user'scomputing device rather than based on the tint value. For example, acontrol algorithm or rule set stored in and executed by the WC 1604 candictate that one or more control signals from an authorized user'scomputing device take precedence over a tint value received from the NC1606. In some other instances, such as in high demand cases, controlsignals such as a tint value from the NC 1606 may take precedence overany control signals received by the WC 1604 from a user's computingdevice.

In some other implementations, based on the receipt of a control signalfrom an authorized user's computing device, the MC 1608 can useinformation about a combination of known parameters to calculate,determine, select or otherwise generate a tint value that provideslighting conditions desirable for a typical user, while in someinstances also being mindful of power considerations. In some otherimplementations, the MC 1608 can determine the tint value based onpreset preferences defined by or for the particular user that requestedthe tint state change via the computing device. For example, the usermay be required to enter a password or otherwise login or obtainauthorization to request a tint state change. In such instances, the MC1608 can determine the identity of the user based on a password, asecurity token or based on an identifier of the particular mobile deviceor other computing device. After determining the user's identity, the MC1608 can then retrieve preset preferences for the user, and use thepreset preferences alone or in combination with other parameters (suchas power considerations or information from various sensors) to generateand transmit a tint value for use in tinting the respective IGUs 1602.

In some implementations, the MC 1608 is coupled to an external database(or “data store” or “data warehouse”) 1620. In some implementations, thedatabase 1620 can be a local database coupled with the MC 1608 via awired hardware link 1622. In some other implementations, the database1620 can be a remote database or a cloud-based database accessible bythe MC 1608 via an internal private network or over the outward-facingnetwork 1610. In some implementations, other computing devices, systemsor servers also can have access to read the data stored in the database1620, for example, over the outward-facing network 1610. Additionally,in some implementations, one or more control applications or third partyapplications also can have access to read the data stored in thedatabase via the outward-facing network 1610. In some cases, the MC 1608stores a record of all tint commands including tint values issued by theMC 1608 in the database 1620. The MC 1608 also can collect status andsensor data and store it in the database 1620. In such instances, theWCs 1604 can collect the sensor data and status data from the IGUs 1602and communicate the sensor data and status data to the respective NCs1606 over link 1614 for communication to the MC 1608 over link 1616.Additionally or alternatively, the NCs 1606 or the MC 1608 themselvesalso can be connected to various sensors such as light, temperature oroccupancy sensors within the building as well as light or temperaturesensors positioned on, around or otherwise external to the building (forexample, on a roof of the building). In some implementations the NCs1606 or the WCs 1604 also can transmit status or sensor data directly tothe database 1620 for storage.

In some implementations, the network system 1600 also can be designed tofunction in conjunction with modern heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) systems, interior lighting systems, security systemsor power systems as an integrated and efficient energy control systemfor an entire building or a campus of buildings. Some implementations ofthe network system 1600 are suited for integration with a buildingmanagement system (BMS), 1624. A BMS is broadly a computer-based controlsystem that can be installed in a building to monitor and control thebuilding's mechanical and electrical equipment such as HVAC systems(including furnaces or other heaters, air conditioners, blowers andvents), lighting systems, power systems, elevators, fire systems, andsecurity systems. The BMS can include hardware and associated firmwareand software for maintaining conditions in the building according topreferences set by the occupants or by a building manager or otheradministrator. The software can be based on, for example, internetprotocols or open standards. A BMS can typically be used in largebuildings where it functions to control the environment within thebuilding. For example, the BMS can control lighting, temperature, carbondioxide levels, and humidity within the building. To control thebuilding environment, the BMS can turn on and off various mechanical andelectrical devices according to rules or in response to conditions. Suchrules and conditions can be selected or specified by a building manageror administrator, for example. One function of a BMS can be to maintaina comfortable environment for the occupants of a building whileminimizing heating and cooling energy losses and costs. In someimplementations, the BMS can be configured not only to monitor andcontrol, but also to optimize the synergy between various systems, forexample, to conserve energy and lower building operation costs.

Additionally or alternatively, some implementations of the networksystem 1600 are suited for integration with a smart thermostat service,alert service (for example, fire detection), security service or otherappliance automation service. On example of a home automation service isNEST®, made by Nest Labs of Palo Alto, Calif., (NEST® is a registeredtrademark of Google, Inc. of Mountain View, Calif.). As used herein,references to a BMS can in some implementations also encompass, or bereplaced with, such other automation services.

In some implementations, the MC 1608 and a separate automation service,such as a BMS 1624, can communicate via an application programminginterface (API). For example, the API can execute in conjunction with amaster controller application (or platform) within the MC 1608, or inconjunction with a building management application (or platform) withinthe BMS 1624. The MC 1608 and the BMS 1624 can communicate over one ormore wired links 1626 or via the outward-facing network 1610. In someinstances, the BMS 1624 can communicate instructions for controlling theIGUs 1602 to the MC 1608, which then generates and transmits primarytint commands to the appropriate NCs 1606. In some implementations, theNCs 1606 or the WCs 1604 also can communicate directly with the BMS 1624(whether through a wired/hardware link or wirelessly through a wirelessdata link). In some implementations, the BMS 1624 also can receive data,such as sensor data, status data and associated timestamp data,collected by one or more of the MC 1608, the NCs 1606 and the WCs 1604.For example, the MC 1608 can publish such data over the network 1610. Insome other implementations in which such data is stored in a database1620, the BMS 1624 can have access to some or all of the data stored inthe database 1620.

Example Master Controller

FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of an example master controller (MC) 1700in accordance with some implementations. For example, the MC 1700 ofFIG. 17 can be used to implement the MC 1608 described above withreference to the network system 1600 of FIG. 16. As used herein,references to “the MC 1700” also encompass the MC 1608, and vice versa;in other words, the two references may be used interchangeably. The MC1700 can be implemented in or as one or more computers, computingdevices or computer systems (herein used interchangeably whereappropriate unless otherwise indicated). Additionally, reference to “theMC 1700” collectively refers to any suitable combination of hardware,firmware and software for implementing the functions, operations,processes or capabilities described. For example, the MC 1700 can referto a computer that implements a master controller application (alsoreferred to herein as a “program” or a “task”).

As shown in FIG. 17, the MC 1700 generally includes one or moreprocessors 1702 (also collectively referred to hereinafter as “theprocessor 1702”). Processor 1702 can be or can include a centralprocessing unit (CPU), such as a single core or a multi-core processor.The processor 1702 can additionally include a digital signal processor(DSP) or a network processor in some implementations. In someimplementations, the processor 1702 also can include one or moreapplication-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The processor 1702 iscoupled with a primary memory 1704, a secondary memory 1706, aninward-facing network interface 1708 and an outward-facing networkinterface 1710. The primary memory 1704 can include one or morehigh-speed memory devices such as, for example, one or morerandom-access memory (RAM) devices including dynamic-RAM (DRAM) devices.Such DRAM devices can include, for example, synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)devices and double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM) devices (including DDR2SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, and DDR4 SDRAM), thyristor RAM (T-RAM), andzero-capacitor (Z-RAM®), among other suitable memory devices.

The secondary memory 1706 can include one or more hard disk drives(HDDs) or one or more solid-state drives (SSDs). In someimplementations, the memory 1706 can store processor-executable code (or“programming instructions”) for implementing a multi-tasking operatingsystem such as, for example, an operating system based on a Linux®kernel. In some other implementations, the operating system can be aUNIX®- or Unix-like-based operating system, a Microsoft Windows®-basedoperating system, or another suitable operating system. The memory 1706also can store code executable by the processor 1702 to implement themaster controller application described above, as well as code forimplementing other applications or programs. The memory 1706 also canstore status information, sensor data or other data collected fromnetwork controllers, window controllers and various sensors.

In some implementations, the MC 1700 is a “headless” system; that is, acomputer that does not include a display monitor or other user inputdevice. In some such implementations, an administrator or otherauthorized user can log in to or otherwise access the MC 1700 from aremote computer or mobile computing device over a network (for example,the network 1610) to access and retrieve information stored in the MC1700, to write or otherwise store data in the MC 1700, and to controlvarious functions, operations, processes or parameters implemented orused by the MC 1700. In some other implementations, the MC 1700 also caninclude a display monitor and a direct user input device (for example,one or more of a mouse, a keyboard and a touchscreen).

In various implementations, the inward-facing network interface 1708enables the MC 1700 to communicate with various distributed controllers,and in some implementations, also with various sensors. Theinward-facing network interface 1708 can collectively refer to one ormore wired network interfaces or one or more wireless network interfaces(including one or more radio transceivers). In the context of thenetwork system 1600 of FIG. 16, the MC 1700 can implement the MC 1608and the inward-facing network interface 1708 can enable communicationwith the downstream NCs 1606 over the link 1616.

The outward-facing network interface 1710 enables the MC 1700 tocommunicate with various computers, mobile devices, servers, databasesor cloud-based database systems over one or more networks. Theoutward-facing network interface 1710 also can collectively refer to oneor more wired network interfaces or one or more wireless networkinterfaces (including one or more radio transceivers). In the context ofthe network system 1600 of FIG. 16, the outward-facing network interface1710 can enable communication with various computers, mobile devices,servers, databases or cloud-based database systems accessible via theoutward-facing network 1610 over the link 1618. As described above, insome implementations, the various applications, including third partyapplications or cloud-based applications, executing within such remotedevices can access data from or provide data to the MC 1700 or to thedatabase 1620 via the MC 1700. In some implementations, the MC 1700includes one or more APIs for facilitating communication between the MC1700 and various third party applications. Some example implementationsof APIs that the MC 1700 can enable are described in U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/088,943, filed on Dec. 8, 2014 and titled“MULTIPLE INTERFACING SYSTEMS AT A SITE,” which is hereby incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety. For example, such third partyapplications can include various monitoring services includingthermostat services, alert services (for example, fire detection),security services or other appliance automation services. Additionalexamples of monitoring services and systems can be found in PCT PatentApplication PCT/US2015/019031, filed on Mar. 5, 2015 and titled“MONITORING SITES CONTAINING SWITCHABLE OPTICAL DEVICES ANDCONTROLLERS,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

The MC 1700 can calculate, determine, select or otherwise generate atint value for one or more IGUs 1602 based on a combination ofparameters. For example, the combination of parameters can include timeor calendar information such as the time of day, day of year or time ofseason. Additionally or alternatively, the combination of parameters caninclude solar calendar information such as, for example, the directionof the sun relative to the IGUs 1602. In some instances, the directionof the sun relative to the IGUs 1602 can be determined by the MC 1700based on time and calendar information together with information knownabout the geographical location of the building on the Earth and thedirection that the IGUs face (for example, in a North-East-Downcoordinate system). The combination of parameters also can include theoutside temperature (external to the building), the inside temperature(within a room adjoining the target IGUs 1602), or the temperaturewithin the interior volume of the IGUs 1602. The combination ofparameters also can include information about the weather (for example,whether it is clear, sunny, overcast, cloudy, raining or snowing).Parameters such as the time of day, day of year, or direction of the suncan be programmed into and tracked by the MC 1608. Parameters such asthe outside temperature, inside temperature or IGU temperature can beobtained from sensors in, on or around the building or sensorsintegrated on or within the IGUs 1602. Some information about theweather also can be obtained from such sensors. Additionally oralternatively, parameters such as the time of day, time of year,direction of the sun, or weather can be provided by, or determined basedon information provided by, various applications including third partyapplications over the network 1610. Additional examples of algorithms,routines, modules, or other means for generating tint values aredescribed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/722,969, filed on Feb. 21, 2013 and titled “CONTROL METHOD FORTINTABLE WINDOWS,” and in PCT Patent Application No. PCT/2015/029675,filed on May 7, 2015 and titled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS,”both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

Example Network Controller

FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of an example network controller (NC) 1800in accordance with some implementations. For example, the NC 1800 ofFIG. 18 can be used to implement the NC 1606 described above withreference to the network system 1600 of FIG. 16. As used herein,references to “the NC 1800” also encompass the NC 1606, and vice versa;in other words, the two references may be used interchangeably. The NC1800 can be implemented in or as one or more network components,networking devices, computers, computing devices or computer systems(herein used interchangeably where appropriate unless otherwiseindicated). Additionally, reference to “the NC 1800” collectively refersto any suitable combination of hardware, firmware and software forimplementing the functions, operations, processes or capabilitiesdescribed. For example, the NC 1800 can refer to a computer thatimplements a network controller application (also referred to herein asa “program” or a “task”).

As shown in FIG. 18, the NC 1800 generally includes one or moreprocessors 1802 (also collectively referred to hereinafter as “theprocessor 1802”). In some implementations, the processor 1802 can beimplemented as a microcontroller or as one or more logic devicesincluding one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)or programmable logic devices (PLDs), such as field-programmable gatearrays (FPGAs) or complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs). Ifimplemented in a PLD, the processor can be programmed into the PLD as anintellectual property (IP) block or permanently formed in the PLD as anembedded processor core. In some other implementations, the processor1802 can be or can include a central processing unit (CPU), such as asingle core or a multi-core processor. The processor 1802 is coupledwith a primary memory 1804, a secondary memory 1806, a downstreamnetwork interface 1808 and an upstream network interface 1810. In someimplementations, the primary memory 1804 can be integrated with theprocessor 1802, for example, as a system-on-chip (SOC) package, or in anembedded memory within a PLD itself. In some other implementations, theNC 1800 alternatively or additionally can include one or more high-speedmemory devices such as, for example, one or more RAM devices.

The secondary memory 1806 can include one or more solid-state drives(SSDs) storing one or more lookup tables or arrays of values. In someimplementations, the secondary memory 1806 can store a lookup table thatmaps first protocol IDs (for example, BACnet IDs) received from the MC1700 to second protocol IDs (for example, CAN IDs) each identifying arespective one of the WCs 1604, and vice versa. In some implementations,the secondary memory 1806 can additionally or alternatively store one ormore arrays or tables. In some implementations, such arrays or tablescan be stored as comma-separated values (CSV) files or via anothertable-structured file format. For example, each row of the file can beidentified by a timestamp corresponding to a transaction with a WC 1604.Each row can include a tint value (C) for the IGUs 1602 controlled bythe WC 1604 (for example, as set by the MC 1700 in the primary tintcommand); a status value (S) for the IGUs 1602 controlled by the WC1604; a set point voltage (for example, the effective applied voltageV_(Eff)) an actual voltage level V_(Act) measured, detected or otherwisedetermined across the ECDs within the IGUs 1602; an actual current levelI_(Act) measured, detected or otherwise determined through the ECDswithin the IGUs 1602; and various sensor data. In some implementations,each row of the CSV file can include such status information for eachand all of the WCs 1604 controlled by the NC 1800. In some suchimplementations, each row also includes the CAN IDs or other IDsassociated with each of the respective WC 1604.

In some implementations in which the NC 1800 is implemented in acomputer that executes a network controller application, the secondarymemory 1806 also can store processor-executable code (or “programminginstructions”) for implementing a multi-tasking operating system suchas, for example, an operating system based on a Linux® kernel. In someother implementations, the operating system can be a UNIX®- orUnix-like-based operating system, a Microsoft Windows®-based operatingsystem, or another suitable operating system. The memory 1806 also canstore code executable by the processor 1802 to implement the networkcontroller application described above, as well as code for implementingother applications or programs.

In various implementations, the downstream network interface 1808enables the NC 1800 to communicate with distributed WCs 1604, and insome implementations, also with various sensors. In the context of thenetwork system 1600 of FIG. 16, the NC 1800 can implement the NC 1606and the downstream network interface 1808 can enable communication withthe WCs 1604 over the link 1614. The downstream network interface 1808can collectively refer to one or more wired network interfaces or one ormore wireless network interfaces (including one or more radiotransceivers). In some implementations, the downstream interface 1808can include a CANbus interface enabling the NC 1800 to distributecommands, requests or other instructions to various WCs 1604, and toreceive responses including status information from the WCs 1604,according to a CANBus protocol (for example, via the CANopencommunication protocol). In some implementations, a single CANbusinterface can enable communication between the NC 1800 and tens,hundreds or thousands of WCs 1604. Additionally or alternatively, thedownstream interface 1808 can include one or more Universal Serial Bus(USB) interfaces (or “ports”). In some such implementations, to enablecommunication via a CANbus communication protocol, a USB-to-CAN adaptercan be used to couple the USB port of the downstream interface 1808 withCANbus-compatible cables. In some such implementations, to enable the NC1800 to control even more WCs 1604, a USB hub (for example, having 2, 3,4, 5, 10 or more hub ports) can be plugged into the USB port of thedownstream interface 508. A USB-to-CAN adapter can then be plugged intoeach hub port of the USB hub.

The upstream network interface 1810 enables the NC 1800 to communicatewith the MC 1700, and in some implementations, also with various othercomputers, servers or databases (including the database 1620). Theupstream network interface 1810 also can collectively refer to one ormore wired network interfaces or one or more wireless network interfaces(including one or more radio transceivers). In the context of thenetwork system 1600 of FIG. 16, the upstream network interface 1810 canenable communication with the MC 1608 over the link 1618. In someimplementations, the upstream network interface 1810 also can be coupledto communicate with applications, including third party applications andcloud-based applications, over the outward-facing network 1610. Forexample, in implementations in which the NC 1800 is implemented as anetwork controller application executing as a task within a computer,the network controller application can communicate directly with theoutward-facing network 1610 via the operating system and the upstreamnetwork interface 1810.

In some implementations the NC 1800 functions as a server collecting andstoring status data, sensor data or other data acquired from the WCs1604 or the multi-sensor device 100, and publishing this acquired datasuch that it is accessible to the MC 1700. In some implementations, theNC 1800 also can publish this acquired data over the network 1610directly; that is, without first passing the data to the MC 1700. The NC1800 also functions in some respects similar to a router. For example,the NC 1800 can function as a BACnet to CANBus gateway, receivingcommunications transmitted from the MC 1700 according to the BACnetprotocol, converting commands or messages from the BACnet protocol to aCANBus protocol (for example, the CANopen communication protocol), anddistributing commands or other instructions to various WCs 1604according to the CANBus protocol.

As described above with reference to FIG. 17, when the MC 1700determines to tint one or more IGUs 1602, the MC 1700 can write aspecific tint value to the AV in the NC 1800 associated with the one ormore respective WCs 1604 that control the target IGUs 1602. In someimplementations, to do so, the MC 1700 generates a primary tint commandcommunication including a BACnet ID associated with the WCs 1604 thatcontrol the target IGUs 1602. The primary tint command also can includea tint value for the target IGUs 1602. The MC 1700 can direct thetransmission of the primary tint command to the NC 1800 using a networkaddress such as, for example, an IP address or a MAC address. Responsiveto receiving such a primary tint command from the MC 1700 through theupstream interface 1810, the NC 1800 can unpackage the communication,map the BACnet ID (or other first protocol ID) in the primary tintcommand to one or more CAN IDs (or other second protocol IDs), and writethe tint value from the primary tint command to a first one of therespective AVs associated with each of the CAN IDs.

In some implementations, the NC 1800 then generates a secondary tintcommand for each of the WCs 1604 identified by the CAN IDs. Eachsecondary tint command can be addressed to a respective one of the WCs1604 by way of the respective CAN ID. Each secondary tint command alsocan include the tint value extracted from the primary tint command. TheNC 1800 transmits the secondary tint commands to the target WCs 1604through the downstream interface 1808 via a second communicationprotocol (for example, via the CANOpen protocol). In someimplementations, when a WC 1604 receives such a secondary tint command,the WC 1604 transmits a status value back to the NC 1800 indicating astatus of the WC 1604. For example, the tint status value can representa “tinting status” or “transition status” indicating that the WC is inthe process of tinting the target IGUs 1602, an “active” or “completed”status indicating that the target IGUs 1602 are at the target tint stateor that the transition has been finished, or an “error status”indicating an error. After the status value has been stored in the NC1800, the NC 1800 can publish the status information or otherwise makethe status information accessible to the MC 1700 or to various otherauthorized computers or applications. In some other implementations, theMC 1700 can request status information for a particular WC 1604 from theNC 1800 based on intelligence, a scheduling policy, or a user override.For example, the intelligence can be within the MC 1700 or within a BMS.A scheduling policy can be stored in the MC 1700, another storagelocation within the network system 1600, or within a cloud-based system.

Example Window Controller

FIG. 19 shows a circuit schematic diagram of an example windowcontroller (WC) 1900 in accordance with some implementations. Forexample, the WC 1900 of FIG. 19 can be used to implement each one of theWCs 1604 described above with reference to the network system 1600 ofFIG. 16. As used herein, references to “the WC 1900” also encompass theWC 1604, and vice versa; in other words, the two references may be usedinterchangeably. As described above, the WC 1900 is generally operableand adapted to drive optical state transitions in, or to maintain theoptical states of, one or more coupled optically-switchable devices suchas the ECDs 1410 described above with reference to FIG. 14. In someimplementations, the one or more ECDs coupled with the WC 1900 areconfigured within respective IGUs 1902 (such as the IGU 1400 describedabove with reference to FIG. 14). The WC 1900 also is operable tocommunicate with the coupled IGUs 1902, for example, to read data fromor to transfer data to the IGUs 1902.

The WC 1900 broadly includes a processing unit 1904, a power circuit1906, a drive circuit 1908 and a feedback circuit 1910 (each of whichare delineated with a heavy dashed line and gray shading). In theillustrated implementation, the WC 1900 additionally includes acommunications circuit 1912. Each of the driver circuit 1906, the powercircuit 1906, the feedback circuit 1910 and the communications circuit1912 can include a number of individual circuit components includingintegrated circuits (ICs). Each of the various components described inmore detail below may be described as being “a part of a respective oneof the aforementioned circuits 1906, 1908, 1910 and 1912. However, thegroupings of components into respective ones of the circuits 1906, 1908,1910 and 1912 are in name only and for purposes of convenience infacilitating the disclosure of the described implementations. As such,the functions, capabilities and limitations of the various describedcomponents are not intended to be defined by the respective grouping;rather, the functions, abilities and limitations of each of theindividual components are defined only by those of the componentsthemselves, and by their integration with other components to which theyare electrically connected or coupled.

In some implementations, the WC 1900 includes a first upstream interface(or set of interfaces) 1914 for coupling to an upstream set of cables1916. For example, the upstream set of cables 1916 can implement thelink 1614 described above with reference to the network system 1600 ofFIG. 16. In some implementations, the upstream set of cables 1916includes at least four lines: two power distribution lines and twocommunication lines. In some five-line implementations, the upstream setof cables 1916 additionally includes a system ground line, such as abuilding ground or Earth ground (for practical purposes an absoluteground from which all other voltages in the building can be measured).The upstream interface 1914 can include a corresponding number of pins(not shown)—one pin to couple each of the lines in the upstream set ofcables 1916 into the WC 1900. For example, a first one of the pins cancouple a first one of the power distribution lines from the upstream setof cables 1916 to a first power supply line 1922 within the WC 1900. Asecond one of the pins can couple a second one of the power distributionlines (for example, a power supply return) from the upstream set ofcables 1916 to a second power supply line 1924 within the WC 1900. Athird one of the pins can couple a first one of the communication linesfrom the upstream set of cables 1916 to a first communication line 1926within the WC 1900. A fourth one of the pins can couple a second one ofthe communication lines from the upstream set of cables 1916 to a secondcommunication line 1928 within the WC 1900. In implementations thatinclude a system ground line, a fifth one of the pins can couple thesystem ground line from the upstream set of cables 1916 to a systemground line 1930 within the WC 1900.

The two power distribution lines in the upstream set of cables 1916 canbe implemented as two separate cables or configured together as, forexample, a twisted pair cable. A first one of the power lines carries afirst supply voltage V_(Sup1) and a second one of the power lines is apower supply return. In some implementations, the first supply voltageV_(Sup1) is a DC voltage having a value in the range of approximately 5Volts (V) to 42 V, and in one example application, a value of 24 V(although higher voltages may be desirable and are possible in otherimplementations). In some other implementations, the first supplyvoltage V_(Sup1) can be pulsed voltage power signal. The second one ofthe power lines can be a power supply return, also referred to as asignal ground (or “common ground”). In other words, the voltage V_(Sup2)on the second one of the power lines can be a reference voltage, forexample, a floating ground. In such implementations, it is the voltagedifference between the first supply voltage V_(Sup1) and the secondsupply voltage V_(Sup2) that is the voltage of interest, as opposed tothe actual values of the individual voltages V_(Sup1) and V_(Sup2)relative to the system ground. For example, the value of the differencebetween V_(Sup1) and V_(Sup2) can be in the range of approximately 5 Vto 42 V, and in one example application, 24 V. In implementations thatinclude a system ground line, the system ground line can be implementedas a single cable or configured with the two power distribution linesdescribed above as a 3-wire cable.

The two communication lines in the upstream set of cables 1916 also canbe implemented as two separate cables or configured together as atwisted pair cable. In some other implementations, the two communicationlines can be bundled with the two power distribution lines justdescribed as a 4-wire cable, or bundled with the two power distributionlines and the system ground line as a 5-wire cable. As described above,pins or other interconnects within the upstream interface 1914electrically connect the first and the second communication lines in theupstream set of cables 1916 with the first and the second communicationlines 1926 and 1928 in the WC 1900. The first and the secondcommunication lines 1926 and 1928, also referred to herein collectivelyas a communication bus 1932, can carry first and second data signalsData₁ and Data₂, respectively.

At different times or stages throughout a transition cycle or at othertimes, the data signals Data₁ and Data₂ can be communicating informationto the WC 1900 from an upstream network controller (such as the NC 1606or NC 400) or communicating information to the network controller fromthe WC 1900. As an example of a downstream communication, the datasignals Data₁ and Data₂ can include a tint command or other instructions(for example, such as the secondary tint command described above) sentfrom a network controller to the WC 1900. As an example of an upstreamcommunication, the data signals Data₁ and Data₂ can include statusinformation (such as a current tint status) or sensor data to be sent tothe network controller. In some implementations, the Data₁ and Data₂signals are complementary signals, for example, forming a differentialpair of signals (also referred to herein collectively as a differentialsignal).

In some implementations, the communication bus 1932 is designed,deployed and otherwise configured in accordance with the Controller AreaNetwork (CAN) vehicle bus standard. In terms of the Open SystemsInterconnection (OSI) model, the physical (PHY) layer can be implementedaccording to the ISO 11898-2 CAN standard, and the data link layer canbe implemented according to the ISO 11898-1 CAN standard. In some suchimplementations, the first data signal Data₁ can refer to the high CANsignal (the “CANH signal” as it is typically referred to in the CANprotocol), while the second data signal Data₂ can refer to the low CANsignal (the “CANL signal”). In some implementations, the WC 1900communicates with the upstream network controller over the communicationbus 1932 (and the coupled communication lines in the upstream set ofcables 1916) according to the CANopen communication protocol. In termsof the OSI model, the CANopen communication protocol implements thenetwork layer and other layers above the network layer (for example, thetransport layer, the session layer, the presentation layer and theapplication layer). According to the CAN protocol, it is the differencebetween the CANH and CANL signal values that determines the value of thebit being communicated by the differential pair.

In some implementations, the upstream set of cables 1916 is directlyconnected with the upstream network controller. In some otherimplementations, the upstream set of cables 1916 includes a set ofdroplines connected to (for example, tapped off of) a trunk line thatcontains corresponding power distribution and communication lines. Insome such latter implementations, each of a plurality of WCs 1900 can beconnected to the same trunk line via a corresponding set of droplines.In some such implementations, each of the plurality of WCs 1900 coupledto the same trunk line can be in communication with the same networkcontroller via the communication lines within the trunk line. In someimplementations, the power distribution lines that power the WCs 1900also can be coupled to the same network controller to power the networkcontroller. In some other implementations, a different set of powerdistribution lines can power the network controller. In either case, thepower distribution lines that power the WCs 1900 can terminate at apower control panel or other power insertion point.

The WC 1900 also includes a second downstream interface (or set ofinterfaces) 1918 for coupling to a downstream set of cables 1920. Forexample, the downstream set of cables 1920 can implement the link 1612described above with reference to the network system 1600 of FIG. 16. Insome implementations, the downstream set of cables 1920 also includes atleast four lines: two power distribution lines and two communicationlines. The downstream interface 1918 also can include a correspondingnumber of pins (not shown)—one pin to couple each of the lines in thedownstream set of cables 1920 into the WC 1900. For example, a first oneof the pins can couple a first one of the power distribution lines 1933from the downstream set of cables 1920 to a first power drive line 1934within the WC 1900. A second one of the pins can couple a second one ofthe power distribution lines 1935 from the downstream set of cables 1920to a second power drive line 1936 within the WC 1900. A third one of thepins can couple a first one of the communication lines 1937 from thedownstream set of cables 1920 to a first communication line 1938 withinthe WC 1900. A fourth one of the pins can couple a second one of thecommunication lines 1939 from the downstream set of cables 1920 to asecond communication line 1940 within the WC 1900. In implementationsthat include a fifth line, a fifth one of the pins can couple the fifthline 1941 from the downstream set of cables 1920 to a fifth line 1942within the WC 1900.

The two power distribution lines 1933 and 1935 in the downstream set ofcables 1920 can be implemented as two separate cables or configuredtogether as, for example, a twisted pair cable. In some implementations,the first power distribution line 1933 carries a first applied voltageV_(App1) and the second power distribution line 1935 carries a secondapplied voltage V_(App2) In some implementations, the first and thesecond applied voltages V_(App1) and V_(App2) are, for all intents andpurposes, DC voltage signals. In some other implementations, the firstand the second applied voltages V_(App1) and V_(App2) can be pulsedvoltage signals (for example, pulse-width modulated (PWM) signals). Insome implementations, the first applied voltage V_(App1) can have avalue in the range of approximately 0 V to 10 V, and in some specificapplications, in the range of approximately 0 V to 5 V. In someimplementations, the second applied voltage V_(App2) can have a value inthe range of approximately 0 V to −10 V, and in some specificapplications, in the range of approximately 0 V to −5 V. In some otherimplementations, the second power distribution line 1935 in thedownstream set of cables 1920 can be a power supply return, alsoreferred to as a signal ground or common ground. In other words, thevoltage V_(App2) on the second power distribution line can be areference voltage, for example, a floating ground.

The first and the second power distribution lines 1933 and 1935 in inthe downstream set of cables 1920 are provided to each of the one ormore IGUs 1902 controlled by the WC 1900. More specifically, the firstand the second power distribution lines 1933 and 1935 are electricallyconnected to (or coupled with) the busbars and conductive layers thatpower the electrochromic states and state transitions of the respectiveECDs (such as, for example, the first and second busbars 1426 and 1428and the first and second TCO layers 1414 and 1416 in the IGU 1400 ofFIG. 14). In some implementations, it is the voltage difference betweenthe first applied voltage V_(App1) and the second applied voltageV_(App2) that is the voltage of interest, as opposed to the actualvalues of the individual voltages V_(App1) and V_(App2) relative to asystem ground. For example, the value of the difference between V_(App1)and V_(App2)—referred to herein as the “effective applied voltage”V_(Eff) or simply as the applied voltage V_(Eff)—can be in the range ofapproximately −10 V to 10 V in some applications, and in some specificapplications in the range of approximately −5 V to 5 V, depending onvarious device parameters and drive parameters.

The two communication lines 1937 and 1939 in the downstream set ofcables 1920 also can be implemented as two separate cables or configuredtogether as a twisted pair cable. In some other implementations, the twocommunication lines 1937 and 1939 can be bundled with the two powerdistribution lines 1933 and 1935 just described as a 4-wire cable, orbundled with the two power distribution lines and the fifth line as a5-wire cable. As described above, pins or other interconnects within thedownstream interface 1918 electrically connect the first and the secondcommunication lines 1937 and 1939 in the downstream set of cables 1920with the first and the second communication lines 1938 and 1940 withinthe WC 1900. The first and the second communication lines 1938 and 1940,also referred to herein collectively as a communication bus 1944, cancarry data signals Data₃ and Data₄, respectively.

At different times or stages throughout a transition cycle or at othertimes, the data signals Data₃ and Data₄ can be communicating informationto one or more connected IGUs 1902 from the WC 1900 or communicatinginformation to the WC 1900 from one or more of the IGUs 1902. As anexample of a downstream communication, the data signals Data₃ and Data₄can include a status request command or other instructions to be sent toone or more of the IGUs 1902. As an example of an upstreamcommunication, the data signals Data₃ and Data₄ can include statusinformation (such as a current tint status) or sensor data sent from oneor more of the IGUs 1902 to the WC 1900. In some implementations, thecommunication bus 1944 is designed, deployed and otherwise configured inaccordance with the 1-Wire device communications bus system protocol. Insuch 1-Wire implementations, the communication line 1938 is a data lineand the data signal Data₃ conveys the data to be communicated, while thecommunication line 1940 is a signal ground line and the data signalData₄ provides a reference voltage, such as a signal ground, relative towhich the data signal Data₃ is measured or compared to recover the dataof interest.

In some implementations, responsive to receiving a tint command, theprocessing unit 1904 initiates a tinting transition in one or more ofthe IGUs 1902 controlled by the WC 1900. In some implementations, theprocessing unit 1904 calculates, selects, determines or otherwisegenerates the command signal V_(DCmnd) based on drive parametersincluding the current tint state of an IGU 1902 to be transitioned andthe target tint state of the IGU 1902 (based on the tint value in thetint command). The processing unit 1904 also can generate the commandsignal V_(DCmnd) based on other drive parameters, for example, aramp-to-drive rate, a drive voltage, a drive voltage duration, aramp-to-hold rate and a holding voltage for each possible combination ofcurrent tint state and target tint state. Other drive parameters caninclude parameters based on current or recent sensor data, for example,an indoor temperature, an outdoor temperature, a temperature within theinterior volume of the IGU 1902 (or of one or more of the panes), alight intensity in a room adjacent the IGU 1902 and a light intensityoutside of the IGU 1902, among other suitable or desirable parameters.In some implementations, such sensor data can be provided to the WC 1900via the upstream network controller over communication lines 1926 and1928. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor data can be receivedfrom sensors located within or on various portions of the IGU 1902. Insome such implementations, the sensors can be within or otherwisecoupled with a communication module within the IGU 1902 (such as thecommunication module 756). For example, multiple sensors includingphotosensors, temperature sensors or transmissivity sensors can becoupled via the same communication lines 739 and 741 shown in FIG. 7according to the 1-Wire communication protocol.

In some implementations, the processing unit 1904 generates the commandsignal V_(DCmnd) based on a voltage control profile, for example, suchas that described above with reference to FIG. 15. For example, theprocessing unit 1904 can use the drive parameters and device parametersto select a voltage control profile from a predefined set of voltagecontrol profiles stored in a memory within or accessible by theprocessing unit 1904. In some implementations, each set of voltagecontrol profiles is defined for a particular set of device parameters.In some implementations, each voltage control profile in a given set ofvoltage control profiles is defined for a particular combination ofdrive parameters. The processing unit 1904 generates the command signalV_(Dcmnd) such that the drive circuit 1908 implements the selectedvoltage control profile. For example, the processing unit 1904 adjuststhe command signal V_(DCmnd) to cause the drive circuit 1908 to, inturn, adjust the applied voltage signals V_(App1) and V_(App2). Morespecifically, the drive circuit 1908 adjusts the applied voltage signalsV_(App1) and V_(App2) such that the effective voltage V_(Eff) appliedacross the ECD tracks the voltage levels indicated by the voltagecontrol profile throughout the progression through the profile.

In some implementations, the processing unit 1904 also can modify thecommand signal V_(Ddmnd) dynamically (whether during a transition orduring a holding period after a transition) based on sensor data. Asdescribed above, such sensor data can be received from various sensorswithin or otherwise integrated with the connected IGUs 1902 or fromother external sensors. In some such implementations, the processingunit 1904 can include intelligence (for example, in the form ofprogramming instructions including rules or algorithms), that enable theprocessing unit 1904 to determine how to modify the command signalV_(DCmnd) based on the sensor data. In some other implementations, thesensor data received by the WC 1900 from such sensors can becommunicated to the network controller, and in some instances from thenetwork controller to the master controller. In such implementations,the network controller or the master controller can revise the tintvalue for the IGUs 1902 based on the sensor data and transmit a revisedtint command to the WC 1900. Additionally or alternatively, the networkcontroller or the master controller can receive sensor data from one ormore other sensors external to the building, for example, one or morelight sensors positioned on a roof top or a facade of the building. Insome such implementations, the master controller or the networkcontroller can generate or revise the tint value based on such sensordata.

Generally, the processing unit 1904 can be implemented with any suitableprocessor or logic device, including combinations of such devices,capable of performing the functions or processes described herein. Insome implementations, the processing unit 1904 is a microcontroller(also referred to as a microcontroller unit (MCU)). In some morespecific applications, the processing unit 1904 can be a microcontrollerparticularly designed for embedded applications. In someimplementations, the processing unit 1904 includes a processor core (forexample, a 200 MHz processor core or other suitable processor core) aswell as a program memory (for example, a 2018 KB or other suitablenon-volatile memory), a random-access memory (RAM) (for example, a 512KB or other suitable RAM), and various I/O interfaces. The programmemory can include, for example, code executable by the processor coreto implement the functions, operations or processes of the processingunit 1904.

In some implementations, the RAM can store status information for theIGUs 1902 controlled by the WC 1900. The RAM also can store the deviceparameters for the ECDs within the IGUs 1902. In some otherimplementations, the processing unit 1904 can store such statusinformation or device parameters in another memory device (for example,a Flash memory device) external to the processing unit 1904 but alsowithin the WC 1900. In some specific implementations, the I/O interfacesof the processing unit 1904 include one or more CAN interfaces, one ormore synchronous serial interfaces (for example, 4-wire SerialPeripheral Interface (SPI) interfaces), and one or more Inter-IntegratedCircuit (I²C) interfaces. One example of such a controller suitable foruse in some implementations is the PIC32MZ2048ECH064 controller providedby Microchip Technology Inc. of Chandler, Ariz.

In the implementation illustrated in FIG. 19, the WC 1900 additionallyincludes a data bus transceiver 1964. The data bus transceiver 1964 iscoupled with the upstream interface 1914 via the communication bus 1932.The data bus transceiver 1964 also is coupled with the processing unit1904 via a communication bus 1966. As described above, in someimplementations, the communication bus 1932 is designed, deployed andotherwise configured in accordance with the CAN bus standard, which is adifferential bus standard. In some implementations, the communicationbus 1966 also conforms to the CAN bus standard and includes adifferential pair of lines for transferring a differential pair ofsignals. As such, the data bus transceiver 1964 can include two sets ofdifferential ports; a first set for coupling with the communication bus1932 and a second set for coupling with the communication bus 1966,which in turn is coupled with a CAN interface of the processing unit1904.

In various implementations, the data bus transceiver 1928 is configuredto receive data from a network controller (such as the NC 1800) via thecommunication bus 1932, process the data, and transmit the processeddata to the processing unit 1904 via the communication bus 1966.Similarly, the data bus transceiver 1964 is configured to receive datafrom the processing unit 1904 via the communication bus 1966, processthe data, and transmit the processed data over the communication bus1932 to the interface 1914 and ultimately over the upstream set ofcables 1916 to the network controller. In some such implementations,processing the data includes converting or translating the data from afirst protocol to a second protocol (for example, from a CAN protocol(such as CANopen) to a protocol readable by the processing unit 1904 andvice versa). One example of such a data bus transceiver suitable for usein some implementations is the SN65HVD1050 data bus transceiver providedby Texas Instruments Inc. of Dallas, Tex. In some other implementations,the processing unit 1904 can include an integrated data bus transceiveror otherwise include functionalities of the data bus transceiver 1964rendering the inclusion of the external data bus transceiver 1964unnecessary.

Power Circuit

At a high level, the power circuit 1906 is operable to receive powerfrom the power supply lines 1922 and 1924 and to provide power tovarious components of the WC 1900 including the processing unit 1904,the drive circuit 1908, the feedback circuit 1910 and the communicationscircuit 1912. As described above, the first power supply line 1922receives a supply voltage V_(Sup1), for example, a DC voltage having avalue in the range of approximately 5 V to 42 V (relative to the supplyvoltage V_(Sup2)), and in one example application, a value of 24 V(although higher voltages may be desirable and are possible in otherimplementations). As is also described above, the second power supplyline 1924 can be a power supply return. For example, the voltageV_(Sup2) on the second power supply line 1924 can be a referencevoltage, for example, a floating ground.

The power circuit 1906 includes at least one down converter (alsoreferred to herein as a “buck converter”) for stepping down the supplyvoltage V_(Sup1). In the illustrated implementation, the power circuit1906 includes two down converters: a first relatively low power (LP)down converter 1968 and a second relatively high power (HP) downconverter 1970. The LP down converter 1968 functions to step down thesupply voltage V_(Sup1) to a first down-converted voltage V_(Dwn1). Insome implementations, the down-converted voltage V_(Dwn1) can have avalue in the range of approximately 0 to 5 V, and in one exampleapplication, a value of approximately 3.3 V. The down-converted voltageV_(Dwn1) is provided to the processing unit 1904 for powering theprocessing unit 1904. One example of an LP down converter suitable foruse in some implementations is the TPS54240 2.5 Ampere (Amp) DC-DCstep-down converter provided by Texas Instruments Inc. of Dallas, Tex.

The HP down converter 1970 functions to step down the supply voltageV_(Sup1) to a second down-converted voltage V_(Dwn2). One example of anHP down converter suitable for use in some implementations is theTPS54561 5 Amp DC-DC step-down converter provided by Texas InstrumentsInc. of Dallas, Tex. In some implementations, the down-converted voltageV_(Dwn2) can have a value in the range of approximately 0 V to 6 V, andin one example application, a value of approximately 3.3 V. Thedown-converted voltage V_(Dwn2) is provided to the voltage regulator1980, described below with reference to the drive circuit 1908. In someimplementations, the down-converted voltage V_(Dwn2) also is provided tothe rest of the components within the WC 1900 that require power toperform their respective functions (although these connections are notshown in order to avoid over complicating the illustration and to avoidobscuring the other components and connections).

In some implementations, the HP down converter 1970 provides thedown-converted voltage V_(Dwn2) only when enabled (or instructed) to doso, for example, when or while the processing unit 1904 asserts anenable signal En. In some implementations, the enable signal En isprovided to the HP down converter 1970 via a Serial Peripheral Interface(SPI) interface bus 1986. Although the SPI interface bus 1986 may bedescribed herein in the singular form, the SPI bus 1986 may collectivelyrefer to two or more SPI buses, each of which can be used to communicatewith a respective component of the WC 1900. In some implementations, theprocessing unit asserts the enable signal En only when the WC 1900 is inan “active mode,” as opposed to a “sleep mode.”

In some implementations, the power circuit 1906 further includes or iscoupled with an energy storage device (or “energy well”) 1972 such as,for example, a capacitive storage device such as a rechargeable battery(or set of batteries) or a supercapacitor. For example, one example of asupercapacitor suitable for use in some implementations can have acapacitance C_(s) of at least 400 Farads at 0.4 watt hours (Wh). In someimplementations, the energy storage device 1972 can be charged by acharger 1974. In some such implementations, the charger 1974 can bepowered by the supply voltage V_(Sup1). One example of such a chargersuitable for use in some implementations is the LT3741 constant-current,constant-voltage, step-down controller provided by Linear TechnologyCorp. of Milpitas, Calif. In some implementations, the charger 1974 alsois configured to provide power stored in the energy storage device 1972to the power supply line 1922.

In some implementations, the charger 1974 can alternatively oradditionally be powered by one or more photovoltaic (or “solar”) cells.For example, such photovoltaic (PV) cells can be integrated onto or intothe IGUs 1902, such as on one or more panes of the IGUs, controlled bythe WC 1900. In some such implementations, the power received via the PVcell can be regulated by a voltage regulator 1976 prior to beingprovided to the charger 1974 and ultimately the energy storage device1972. For example, the voltage regulator 1976 can serve to step up orstep down the voltage of the power received from the PV cells. Thevoltage regulator 1976 also can be used to regulate the power providedby the PV cells as such power fluctuates throughout a day. In someimplementations, to prevent back drive (that is, to ensure that powerfrom the energy storage device 1972 or the PV cells does not flowupstream over the upstream set of cables 1916), the power circuit 1906can additionally include an asymmetric conductor 1978, for example, alow loss semiconductor diode such as a Schottky junction diode or a p-njunction diode. The use of such a diode 1978 can be especiallyadvantageous in implementations in which one or more of the supplyvoltages V_(Sup1) and V_(Sup2) are pulsed. More examples of the use ofintegrated PV cells are described in U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/085,179 filed 26 Nov. 2014 and titled SELF-CONTAINED EC IGU,which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The integration of energy storage devices can be advantageous for anumber of reasons, whether such devices are included within respectiveWCs 1900 (like the energy storage device 1972) or are otherwisedistributed throughout a network system (such as the network system1600). For example, the power circuit 1906 within each WC 1900 cansupplement or augment the power provided by the respective power supplylines 1922 and 1924 with power drawn from the energy storage device1972. Additionally or alternatively, energy storage devices external tothe WCs 1900 can provide power directly to the power distribution linesthat distribute power throughout the network system to supply the WCs1900. Such implementations can be especially advantageous in high demandinstances in which many IGUs 1902 are to be transitioned concurrently.In times of lower demand, the normal power supply (for example, thepower supply provided by a building source) can recharge the energystorage devices. More examples of the use of energy storage devices aredescribed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/085,179filed 26 Nov. 2014 and titled SELF-CONTAINED EC IGU; U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/190,012 filed 8 Jul. 2015 and titledPOWER MANAGEMENT FOR ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOW NETWORKS; and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/191,975 filed 13 Jul. 2015and titled POWER MANAGEMENT FOR ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOW NETWORKS, all ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

Drive Circuit

At a high level, the drive circuit 1908 is generally operable to receivethe command signal V_(DCmnd) from the processing unit 1904 and toprovide the applied voltage signals V_(App1) and V_(App2) for drivingthe connected IGUs 1902 based on the command signal V_(DCmnd). The drivecircuit 1908 includes a voltage regulator 1980 that receives thedown-converted voltage V_(Dwn2) from the HP down converter 1970 in thepower circuit 1906. The voltage regulator 1980 regulates, adjusts orotherwise transforms the voltage V_(Dwn2) to provide (or “generate”)first and second regulated voltage signals V_(P1) and V_(p2) based onthe command signal V_(DCmnd). In some implementations, the voltageregulator 1980 is a buck-boost converter; that is, the voltage regulator1980 can be capable of functioning as a down converter to step down thevoltage V_(Dwn2) as well as as an up converter to step up the inputvoltage V_(Dwn2). Whether the voltage regulator 1980 behaves as a downconverter or as an up converter is dependent on the command signalV_(DCmnd), as is the magnitude of the down conversion or up conversion,respectively. In some more specific implementations, the voltageregulator 1980 is a synchronous buck-boost DC-DC converter. In some suchimplementations, the regulated voltage signals V_(P1) and V_(P2) areeffectively fixed-amplitude DC signals from the perspective of the IGUs1902, and in particular, the ECDs within the IGUs 1902.

As described in more detail above, the processing unit 1904 can generatethe command signal V_(Dcmnd) based on a number of different parameters,input values, algorithms or instructions. In some implementations, theprocessing unit 1904 generates the command signal V_(Dcmnd) in the formof a digital voltage signal. In some such implementations, the drivecircuit 1908 additionally includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC)682 for converting the digital command signal V_(Dcmnd) to an analogcommand voltage signal V_(Acmnd). In such implementations, the voltageregulator 1980 more specifically generates the regulated voltage signalsV_(P1) and V_(P2) based on the command voltage signal V_(ACmnd). Oneexample of a DAC suitable for use in some implementations is the AD5683RDAC by Analog Devices Inc. of Norwood, Mass.

In some specific implementations, the regulated voltage signals V_(P1)and V_(P2) are rectangular wave (or “pulsed”) DC signals, for example,pulse-width modulated (PWM) voltage signals. In some suchimplementations, the voltage regulator 1980 includes an H-bridge circuitto generate the regulated voltage signals V_(P1) and V_(P2). In somesuch implementations, each of the regulated voltage signals V_(P1) andV_(P2) has the same frequency. In other words, the period from the startof a current pulse to the start of the next pulse in each of theregulated voltage signals V_(P1) and V_(P2) has the same time duration.In some implementations, the voltage regulator 1980 is operable tomodify the duty cycles of the respective voltage signals V_(P1) andV_(P2) such that the respective duty cycles are not equal. In this way,while the amplitude (or “magnitude”) of the pulses (or “on” durations)of the first regulated voltage signal V_(P1) can be equal to themagnitude of the pulses of the second regulated voltage signal V_(P2),each of the first and the second regulated voltage signals V_(P1) andV_(P2) can have a different effective DC voltage magnitude from theperspective of the corresponding busbars and conducting layers of theECDs in the IGUs 1902. However, in some other implementations, thevoltage regulator 1980 can additionally or alternatively modify therespective magnitudes of the pulses of the voltage signals V_(P1) andV_(P2).

For example, consider an application in which each of the pulses of eachof the regulated voltage signals V_(P1) and V_(P2) has an amplitude of 5V, but in which the first voltage signal V_(P1) has a 60% duty cyclewhile the second voltage signal V_(P2) has a 40% duty cycle. In such anapplication, the effective DC voltage provided by each of the regulatedvoltage signals V_(P1) and V_(P2) can be approximated as the product ofthe respective pulse amplitude and the fraction of the duty cycleoccupied the respective pulses. For example, the effective DC voltageprovided by the first voltage signal V_(P1) can be approximated as 3 V(the product of 5 V and 0.6) while the effective voltage provided by thesecond voltage signal V_(P2) can be approximated as 2 V (the product of5 V and 0.4). In some implementations, the duty cycle of first voltagesignal V_(P1) is complementary to the duty cycle of the second voltagesignal V_(P2). For example, as in the case of the example just provided,if the first voltage signal V_(P1) has a duty cycle of X %, the dutycycle of the second voltage signal V_(P2) can be Y %, where Y %=100%−X%. In some such implementations, the “on” durations of the first voltagesignal V_(P1) can coincide with the “off” durations of the secondvoltage signal V_(P2), and similarly, the “off” durations of the firstvoltage signal V_(P1) can coincide with the “on” durations of the secondvoltage signal V_(P2). In some other implementations, the duty cycles donot necessarily have to be complementary; for example, the first voltagesignal V_(P1) can have a duty cycle of 50% while the second voltagesignal V_(P2) can have a duty cycle of 15%.

As described above, in some implementations, the regulated voltagesignals V_(P1) and V_(P2) are effectively fixed-amplitude DC signalsfrom the perspective of the IGUs 1902, and in particular, the ECDswithin the IGUs 1902. To further such implementations, the voltageregulator 1980 also can include one or more electronic filters, and inparticular, one or more passive filter components such as one or moreinductors. Such filters or filter components can smooth out theregulated voltage signals V_(P1) and V_(P2) prior to their provision toensure that the regulated voltage signals V_(P1) and V_(P2) areeffectively fixed-amplitude DC signals. To further facilitate thesmoothing of the regulated voltage signals V_(P1) and V_(P2), thefrequency of the pulses in the voltage signals V_(P1) and V_(P2) can begreater than or equal to a suitably high frequency (for example, tens,hundreds or thousands of kilohertz (kHz)) in some implementations. Forexample, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, thegreater the frequency of the voltage oscillations applied to aconductor, the less able the electric charge in the conductor is able toreact to the voltage oscillations. Additionally, the greater theinductance of an inductor, the more smoothing out of the voltageoscillations that are provided through the inductor.

In some implementations, the voltage regulator 1980 can advantageouslybe capable of operating in a burst mode to reduce the power consumptionof the WC 1900 over time. In the burst mode of operation, the voltageregulator 1980 automatically enters and exits the burst mode to minimizethe power consumption of the voltage regulator 1980. One example of sucha voltage regulator suitable for use in some implementations is theLTC3112 15 V, 2.5 Amp Synchronous Buck-Boost DC/DC Converter provided byLinear Technology Corp. of Milpitas, Calif.

In some implementations, the regulated voltage signals V_(P1) and V_(P2)are the applied voltage signals V_(App1) and V_(App2), respectively. Insome such implementations, the difference between the regulated voltagesignals V_(P1) and V_(P2) is the effective voltage V_(Eff). In someimplementations, to effect a lightening tinting transition, theprocessing unit 1904 generates the command signal V_(DCmnd) such thatthe voltage regulator 1980 provides a positive effective voltageV_(Eff), while to effect a darkening tinting transition, the processingunit 1904 generates the command signal V_(DCmnd) such that the voltageregulator 1980 provides a negative effective voltage V_(Eff) Conversely,in some other implementations involving different electrochromic layersor counter electrode layers, a darkening tinting transition is achievedby providing a positive effective voltage V_(Eff) while a lighteningtinting transition is achieved by providing a negative effective voltageV_(Eff).

Either way, the voltage regulator 1980 can provide a positive effectivevoltage V_(Eff) by increasing the duty cycle of the first voltage signalV_(P1) or by decreasing the duty cycle of the second voltage signalV_(P2) such that the duty cycle of the first voltage signal V_(P1) isgreater than the duty cycle of the second voltage signal V_(P2), andconsequently, the effective DC voltage of the first applied voltagesignal V_(App1) is greater than the effective DC voltage of the secondapplied voltage signal V_(App2). Similarly, the voltage regulator 1980can provide a negative effective voltage V_(Eff) by decreasing the dutycycle of the first voltage signal V_(P1) or by increasing the duty cycleof the second voltage signal V_(P2) such that the duty cycle of thefirst voltage signal V_(P1) is less than the duty cycle of the secondvoltage signal V_(P2), and consequently, the effective DC voltage of thefirst applied voltage signal V_(App1) is less than the effective DCvoltage of the second applied voltage signal V_(App2).

In some other implementations, including that illustrated in FIG. 19,the drive circuit 1908 additionally includes a polarity switch 1984. Thepolarity switch 1984 receives the two regulated voltage signals V_(P1)and V_(P2) from the voltage regulator 1980 and outputs the appliedvoltage signals V_(App1) and V_(Vpp2) that are provided to the powerlines 1934 and 1936, respectively. The polarity switch 1984 can be usedto switch the polarity of the effective voltage V_(Eff) from positive tonegative, and vice versa. Again, in some implementations, the voltageregulator 1980 can increase the magnitude of V_(P1) relative to V_(P2),and thus increase the magnitude of V_(Eff), by increasing the duty cycleof the first voltage signal V_(P1) or by decreasing the duty cycle ofthe second voltage signal V_(P2). Similarly, the voltage regulator 1980can decrease the magnitude of V_(P1) relative to V_(P2), and thusdecrease the magnitude of V_(Eff), by decreasing the duty cycle of thefirst voltage signal V_(P1) or by increasing the duty cycle of thesecond voltage signal V_(P2).

In some other implementations, the second voltage V_(P2) can be a signalground. In such implementations, the second voltage V_(P2) can remainfixed or floating during transitions as well as during times betweentransitions. In such implementations, the voltage regulator 1980 canincrease or decrease the magnitude of V_(P1), and thus the magnitude ofV_(Eff), by increasing or decreasing the duty cycle of the first voltagesignal V_(P1). In some other such implementations, the voltage regulator1980 can increase or decrease the magnitude of V_(P1), and thus themagnitude of V_(Eff), by directly increasing or decreasing the amplitudeof the first voltage signal V_(P1) with or without also adjusting theduty cycle of the first voltage signal V_(P1). Indeed, in such latterimplementations, the first voltage signal V_(P1) can be an actual fixedDC signal rather than a pulsed signal.

In implementations that include a polarity switch 1984, the secondvoltage signal V_(P2) can be a signal ground and the first voltagesignal V_(P1) can always be a positive voltage relative to the secondvoltage signal V_(P2). In such implementations, the polarity switch 1984can include two configurations (for example, two electricalconfigurations or two mechanical configurations). The processing unit1904 can control which of the configurations the polarity switch 1984 isin via a control signal V_(Polar) provided, for example, over the SPIbus 1986. For example, the processing unit 1904 can select the firstconfiguration when implementing a lightening transition and the secondconfiguration when implementing a darkening transition. For example,while the polarity switch 1984 is in the first configuration, thepolarity switch can output a positive first applied voltage signalV_(App1) relative to the second applied voltage signal V_(App2).Conversely, while the polarity switch 1984 is in the secondconfiguration, the polarity switch can output a negative first appliedvoltage signal V_(App1) relative to the second applied voltage signalV_(App2).

In some implementations, while in the first configuration, the polarityswitch 1984 passes the first voltage signal V_(P1) (or a bufferedversion thereof) as the first applied voltage signal V_(App1) and passesthe second voltage signal V_(P2) (or a grounded version thereof) as thesecond applied voltage signal V_(App2), resulting in a positiveeffective voltage V_(Eff). In some implementations, while in the secondconfiguration, the polarity switch 1984 passes the first voltage signalV_(P1) (or a buffered version thereof) as the second applied voltagesignal V_(App2) and passes the second voltage signal V_(P2) (or agrounded version thereof) as the first applied voltage signal V_(App2),resulting in a negative effective voltage V_(Eff). In someimplementations, the polarity switch 1984 can include an H-bridgecircuit. Depending on the value of V_(Polar), the H-bridge circuit canfunction in the first configuration or the second configuration. Oneexample of a polarity switch suitable for use in some implementations isthe IRF7301 HEXFET Power MOSFET provided by International RectifierCorp. of San Jose, Calif.

In some implementations, when switching from a positive voltage V_(Eff)to a negative voltage V_(Eff), or vice versa, the polarity switch 1984can be configured to switch from a first conducting mode, to a highimpedance mode and then to a second conducting mode, or vice versa. Fordidactic purposes, consider an example in which the first regulatedvoltage V_(P1) is at a positive hold value and in which the polarityswitch 1984 is in the first configuration. As described above, in someimplementations the polarity switch 1984 passes V_(P1) (or a bufferedversion thereof) as the first applied voltage V_(App1) resulting in afirst applied voltage V_(App1) that also is at the positive hold value.To simplify the illustration, also assume that V_(P2) and V_(App2) areboth signal grounds. The result would be an effective applied voltageV_(Eff) at the positive hold value. Now consider that the processingunit 1904 is initiating a tinting transition that will result in an endstate in which the effective applied voltage V_(Eff) is at a negativehold value. In some implementations, to effect the tinting transition,the processing unit 1904 adjusts the command signal V_(DCmnd) to causethe voltage regulator 1980 to lower the magnitude of the voltage V_(P1)based on a negative ramp-to-drive profile. In some implementations, asthe magnitude of the voltage V_(P1) reaches a threshold value close tozero (for example, 10 millivolts (mV)), the processing unit 1904 changesthe polarity switching signal V_(Polar) from a first value to a secondvalue to cause the polarity switch 1984 to switch from a positiveconducting mode (the first configuration described above) to a highimpedance mode.

While in the high impedance mode the polarity switch 1984 does not passV_(P1). Instead, the polarity switch 1984 can output values of V_(App1)(or V_(App2)) based on predefined calculations or estimations.Meanwhile, the voltage regulator 1980 continues to decrease themagnitude of V_(P1) to zero. When the magnitude of V_(P1) reaches zero,the voltage regulator 1980 begins increasing the magnitude of V_(P1) upto the magnitude of the negative drive value. When the magnitude ofV_(P1) reaches a threshold value (for example, 10 mV), the processingunit 1904 then changes the polarity switching signal V_(Polar) from thesecond value to a third value to cause the polarity switch 1984 toswitch from the high impedance mode to a negative conducting mode (thesecond configuration described above). As described above, in some suchimplementations, the polarity switch 1984 passes V_(P1) as the secondapplied voltage V_(App2), while the first applied voltage V_(App1) is asignal ground. To summarize, while the magnitude of V_(P1) is greaterthan or equal to a threshold voltage (for example, 10 mV) the polarityswitch 1984 passes the regulated voltage V_(P1) as either the firstapplied voltage V_(App1) or the second applied voltage V_(App2),depending on whether the polarity switch 1984 is in the positiveconducting mode (first configuration) or the negative conducting mode(second configuration), respectively. As such, the effective appliedvoltage V_(Eff) is dictated by the magnitude of V_(P1) and the polarityconfiguration of the polarity switch 1984 while the value of V_(Eff) isless than or equal to −10 mV or greater than or equal to +10 mV. Butwhile the polarity switch 1984 is in the high impedance mode, in therange when −10 mV<V_(Eff)<10 mV, the value of V_(Eff), and moregenerally the values of V_(App1) and V_(App2), are determined based onpredefined calculations or estimations.

Feedback Circuit

As described above, in some implementations the processing unit 1904 canmodify the command signal V_(DCmnd) during operation (for example,during a tinting transition or during times between tinting transitions)based on one or more feedback signals V_(Feed). In some implementations,a feedback signal V_(Feed) is based on one or more voltage feedbacksignals V_(OC), which are in turn based on actual voltage levelsdetected across the ECDs of the connected IGUs. Such voltage feedbacksignals V_(OC) can be measured during periodic open circuit conditions(during or in between transitions) while the applied voltages V_(App1)and V_(App2) are turned off for brief durations of time. For example, anopen-circuit voltage feedback signal V_(OC) can be measured using adifferential amplifier 1988 having a first input connected with powerline 1934, a second input connected with power line 1936, and an outputconnected with an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 1992. One example ofa differential amplifier suitable for use in some implementations is thelow power, adjustable gain, precision LT1991 provided by LinearTechnology Corp. of Milpitas, Calif.

Additionally or alternatively, a second feedback signal V_(Feed) can bebased on one or more current feedback signals V_(Cur), which are in turnbased on actual current levels detected through the ECDs. Such currentfeedback signals V_(Cur) can be measured using an operational amplifier1990 having a first input connected with a first input terminal of aresistor 691, which is also connected to an output of the polarityswitch 1984. A second input of the operational amplifier 1990 can beconnected with a second terminal of the resistor 691, which is alsoconnected to a node at the second supply voltage V_(Sup2). The output ofthe operational amplifier 1990 can be connected with the ADC 1992. Oneexample of an operational amplifier suitable for use in someimplementations is the low noise, CMOS, precision AD8605 provided byAnalog Devices Inc. of Norwood, Mass. Because the resistance R_(F) ofthe resistor 691 is known, the actual current flowing out of thepolarity switch 1984 can be determined by processing unit 1904 based onthe voltage difference signal V_(Cur).

In some implementations, the processing unit 1904 also is configured tocompensate for transmission losses resulting from the passage of thevoltage signals V_(App1) and V_(App2) through the conducting powerdistribution lines 1933 and 1935. More specifically, the actual voltagesprovided to the busbars of a given IGU 1902 can be less than thevoltages V_(App1) and V_(App2) at the output of the WC 1900. As such,the actual voltage V_(Act), applied across the ECD within the IGU 402can be less than the difference between the voltages V_(App1) andV_(App2) at the output of the WC 1900. For example, the resistances ofthe power distribution lines 1934 and 1936—diagrammatically representedas resistors each having resistance R_(T)—can result in significantvoltage drops along the power distribution lines 1934 and 1936. Theresistance of each power distribution line is, of course, directlyproportional to the length of the power distribution line and inverselyproportional to the cross-sectional area of the power distribution line.An expected voltage drop can thus be calculated based on knowledge ofthe length of the power distribution lines. However, this lengthinformation is not necessarily available. For example, installers maynot record such length information during installation of the IGUs ormay not record such information accurately, precisely or correctly.Additionally, in some legacy installations where existing wires areutilized, such length information may not be available.

“Additionally or alternatively, a third feedback signal V_(Feed) can bebased on one or more voltage compensation feedback signals V_(comp),which are in turn based on an actual voltage drop detected along atleast one of the power distribution lines. For example, such feedbacksignals V_(comp) can be measured using a differential amplifier 1994having a first input connected with a one of the power distributionlines 1934 or 1936 in the WC 1900, a second input connected with thefifth line 1942 in the WC 1900, and an output connected with the ADC1992.”

Each of the open-circuit voltage feedback signal V_(OC), the currentfeedback signal V_(Cur) and the voltage compensation feedback signalV_(Comp) can be digitized by the ADC 1992 and provided to the processingunit 1904 as a feedback signal V_(Feed). One example of an ADC suitablefor use in some implementations is the low power AD7902 by AnalogDevices Inc. of Norwood, Mass. In some instances above, while thefeedback signal V_(Feed) is referenced in the singular form, thefeedback signal V_(Feed) can collectively refer to three (or more orless) individual feedback signals: a first one for the digitizedopen-circuit voltage signal V_(OC), a second one for the digitizedcurrent signal V_(Cur) and a third one for the digitized voltagecompensation signal V_(Comp). The feedback signal V_(Feed) can beprovided to the processing unit 1904 via the SPI bus 1986. Theprocessing unit 1904 can then use the feedback signal V_(Feed) todynamically modify the command signal VD_(Cmnd) such that the actualvalue V_(Act) of the voltage applied across the ECD stack of the IGU1902 is approximately equal to the desired effective voltage V_(Eff),and thus, such that the target tint state is reached.

For example, as the outside environment becomes brighter, the WC 1900can receive a tint command from the NC 1800 to darken an IGU 1902.However, in some implementations or instances, as the respective ECDbecomes increasingly more tinted, the temperature of the ECD can risesignificantly as a result of the increased photon absorption. Becausethe tinting of the ECD can be dependent on the temperature of the ECD,the tint state can change if the command signal V_(DCmnd) is notadjusted to compensate for the temperature change. In someimplementations, rather than detecting the temperature fluctuationdirectly, the processing unit 1904 can adjust the command signalV_(DCmnd) based on the actual voltage detected across the ECD or theactual current detected through the ECD, as determined via the feedbacksignals V_(OC) and V_(Cur).

Communications Circuit

The communications circuit 1912 is generally configured to enablecommunication between the processing unit 1904 and various othercomponents within or outside of the WC 1900. For example, thecommunications circuit 1912 can include a bridge device 1996. In someimplementations, the bridge device 1996 enables the processing unit 1996to communicate and receive data signals Data₃ and Data₄ overcommunication lines 1938 and 1940 (collectively referred to as data bus1944), and corresponding communication lines 637 and 639. In someimplementations, the bridge device 1996 can be a 1-Wire bridge deviceconfigured to communicate according to the 1-Wire communicationsprotocol. In some such implementations, the communication lines 639 and1940 can be signal grounds, while the communication lines 637 and 639,which carry the data signal Data₃, can provide both data and power tothe chip 756 as well as to any number of 1-Wire-compatible sensorswithin the IGU 1902. In some implementations, the chip 756 within theIGU 1902 can be an intermediary for communications of data between theprocessing unit 1904 and the sensors within the IGU 1902. For example,the sensors can be connected to communication lines 739 and 741, whichconnect to the chip 756. In some other implementations, the sensors canbe directly coupled with the communication lines 637 and 639 via theinterface 754 and the communication lines 738 and 740. At other times,the data signal Data₃ can communicate sensor data back to the processingunit 1904.

The bridge device 1996 is configured to manage the communications to,from and among the 1-Wire devices. The processing unit 1904 cancommunicate instructions to the bridge device 1996, or receive data fromthe bridge device, via an I²C bus 1997. Although the I²C bus 1997 may bedescribed herein in the singular form, the I²C bus 1997 may collectivelyrefer to two or more I²C buses, each of which can be used to communicatewith a respective component of the WC 1900. Thus, in someimplementations, the bridge device 1996 functions as an I²C to 1-Wirebridge that interfaces directly to an I²C host port of the I²C master(the processing unit 1904) to perform bidirectional protocol conversionbetween the processing unit 1904 and the downstream 1-Wire slave devicesincluding the chip 756 and any sensors on or within the IGU 1902. Onesuch bridge device suitable for use in some implementations is theDS2482 1-Wire Master device provided by Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.of San Jose, Calif. In some other implementations, the functions of thebridge device 1996 can be integrated into the processing unit 1904.

In some implementations, the communications circuit 1912 also includes aradio transceiver 1998. For example, the radio transceiver 1998 cancommunicate with the processing unit 1904 via the I²C bus 1997. Theradio transceiver 1998 can enable wireless communication between theprocessing unit 1904 and other devices having such radio transceiversincluding, for example, other WCs 1900, the NC 1800, the IGUs 1902 aswell as mobile devices or other computing devices. While referred toherein in the singular form, the radio transceiver 1998 can collectivelyrefer to one or more radio transceivers each configured for wirelesscommunication according to a different respective protocol. For example,some wireless network protocols suitable for use in some implementationscan be based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, such as Wi-Fi (or “WiFi”).Additionally or alternatively, the radio transceiver 1998 can beconfigured to communicate based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, whichdefines the physical layer and media access control for low-ratewireless personal area networks (LR-WPANs). For example, higher levelprotocols compatible with the IEEE 802.15.4 standard can be based on theZigBee, 6LoWPAN, ISA100.11a, WirelessHART or MiWi specifications andstandards. Additionally or alternatively, the radio transceiver 1998 canbe configured to communicate based on the Bluetooth standard (includingthe Classic Bluetooth, Bluetooth high speed and Bluetooth low energyprotocols and including the Bluetooth v4.0, v4.1 and v4.2 versions).Additionally or alternatively, the radio transceiver 1998 can beconfigured to communicate based on the EnOcean standard (ISO/IEC14543-3-10).

As described above, wireless communication can take the place ofcommunication over physical cables between the WC 1900 and the NC 1800.Furthermore, in some implementations, the distributed WCs 1900 can forma mesh network for communicating various information to one another orto the MC 1700, the NC 1800 or to other devices, rendering physicalcommunication lines between the various controllers of a network systemsuch as network system 1600 unnecessary. As also noted above, the WC1900 can communicate wirelessly with the IGUs 1902 it controls. Forexample, the communication module 756 within each IGU 1902 also caninclude a radio transceiver for communicating with the radio transceiver1998 and the processing unit 1904 of the WC 1900. In someimplementations, wireless communication can take the place ofcommunication over physical cables between the WC 1900 and the IGU 1902.For example, wireless communication can take the place of the 1-Wirecommunication bus 1944, the communication lines 637 and 639, and thecommunication lines 738 and 740. Such wireless implementations canfacilitate the manufacture and installation of self-contained IGUs, forexample, IGUs that don't require the attachment of physical cables. Insome such self-contained implementations, each IGU can include an energystorage device and an integrated photovoltaic cell for charging theenergy storage device. The energy storage device, in turn, can power thetint states and tint state transitions of the ECD within the IGU.

In some implementations, the communications circuit 1912 canadditionally or alternatively include a power line communications module1999. The power line communications module 1999 can be used inimplementations or instances in which data is communicated via the powersupply voltage signal V_(Sup1) (and in some cases, also V_(Sup2)) ratherthan, or in addition to, over communications lines 1922 and 1924 orwirelessly. As shown, the power line communications module 1999 also cancommunicate with the processing unit 1904 via the I²C bus 1997.

Smart Network Controller

In some implementations, the NC 1800 described with reference to FIG. 18can take over some of the functions, processes or operations that aredescribed above as being responsibilities of the MC 1700 of FIG. 17.Additionally or alternatively, the NC 1800 can include additionalfunctionalities or capabilities not described with reference to the MC1700.

In some implementations, the NC 1800 periodically requests statusinformation from the WCs 1900 it controls. For example, the NC 1800 cancommunicate a status request to each of the WCs 1900 it controls everyfew seconds, every few tens of seconds, every minute, every few minutesor after any desirable period of time. In some implementations, eachstatus request is directed to a respective one of the WCs 1900 using theCAN ID or other identifier of the respective WC 1900. In someimplementations, the NC 1800 proceeds sequentially through all of theWCs 1900 it controls during each round of status acquisition. In otherwords, the NC 1800 loops through all of the WCs 1900 it controls suchthat a status request is sent to each of the WCs 1900 sequentially ineach round of status acquisition. After a status request has been sentto a given WC 1900, the NC 1800 then waits to receive the statusinformation from the respective WC 1900 before sending a status requestto the next one of the WCs in the round of status acquisition.

In some implementations, after status information has been received fromall of the WCs 1900 that the NC 1800 controls, the NC 1800 then performsa round of tint command distribution. For example, in someimplementations, each round of status acquisition is followed by a roundof tint command distribution, which is then followed by a next round ofstatus acquisition and a next round of tint command distribution, and soon. In some implementations, during each round of tint commanddistribution, the NC 1800 proceeds to send a tint command to each of theWCs 1900 that the NC 1800 controls. In some such implementations, the NC1800 also proceeds sequentially through all of the WCs 1900 it controlsduring the round of tint command distribution. In other words, the NC1800 loops through all of the WCs 1900 it controls such that a tintcommand is sent to each of the WCs 1900 sequentially in each round oftint command distribution.

In some implementations, each status request includes instructionsindicating what status information is being requested from therespective WC 1900. In some implementations, responsive to the receiptof such a request, the respective WC 1900 responds by transmitting therequested status information to the NC 1800 (for example, via thecommunication lines in the upstream set of cables 1916). In some otherimplementations, each status request by default causes the WC 1900 totransmit a predefined set of information for the set of IGUs 1902 itcontrols. Either way, the status information that the WC 1900communicates to the NC 1800 responsive to each status request caninclude a tint status value (S) for the IGUs 1902, for example,indicating whether the IGUs 1902 is undergoing a tinting transition orhas finished a tinting transition. Additionally or alternatively, thetint status value S or another value can indicate a particular stage ina tinting transition (for example, a particular stage of a voltagecontrol profile). In some implementations, the status value S or anothervalue also can indicate whether the WC 1900 is in a sleep mode. Thestatus information communicated in response to the status request alsocan include the tint value (C) for the IGUs 1902, for example, as set bythe MC 1700 or the NC 1800. The response also can include a set pointvoltage set by the WC 1900 based on the tint value (for example, thevalue of the effective applied V_(Eff)). In some implementations, theresponse also can include a near real-time actual voltage level V_(Act)measured, detected or otherwise determined across the ECDs within theIGUs 1902 (for example, via the amplifier 1988 and the feedback circuit1910). In some implementations, the response also can include a nearreal-time actual current level I_(Act) measured, detected or otherwisedetermined through the ECDs within the IGUs 1902 (for example, via theamplifier 1990 and the feedback circuit 1910). The response also caninclude various near real-time sensor data, for example, collected fromphotosensors or temperature sensors integrated on or within the IGUs1902.

Some protocols such as CANOpen limit the size of each frame of data sentfrom the WC 1900 to the NC 1800 and vice versa. In some instances, thesending of each status request and the receiving of status informationresponsive to such a request actually includes multiple two-waycommunications, and thus, multiple frames. For example, each statusrequest described above can include a separate sub-request for each ofthe status values described above. As a more specific example, eachstatus request from the NC 1800 to a particular WC 1900 can include afirst sub-request requesting the status value S. In response to thefirst sub-request, the WC 1900 can transmit to the NC 1800 anacknowledgement and a frame including the status value S. The NC 1800can then transmit a second sub-request to the WC 1900 requesting thetint value C. In response to the second sub-request, the WC 1900 cantransmit to the NC 1800 an acknowledgement and a frame including thetint value C. The values of V_(Eff), V_(Act) and I_(Act) as well assensor data can similarly be obtained with separate respectivesub-requests and responses.

In some other implementations, rather than polling or sending a statusrequest to each of the WCs 1900 on a sequential basis, the NC 1800 canasynchronously send status requests to particular WCs 1900. For example,it may not be useful to receive status information (including C, S,V_(Eff); V_(Act) and I_(Act)) from all of the WCs 1900 periodically. Forexample, it may be desirable to asynchronously request such informationfrom only particular ones of the WCs 1900 that have recently received orimplemented a tint command, that are currently undergoing a tintingtransition, that have recently finished a tinting transition, or fromwhich status information has not been collected for a relatively longduration of time.

In some other implementations, rather than polling or sending statusrequests to each of the WCs 1900 individually, whether on a sequentialbasis or asynchronously, each of the WCs 1900 can periodically broadcastits status information (including C, S, V_(Eff), V_(Act) and I_(Act)).In some such implementations, each of the WCs 1900 can broadcast thestatus information wirelessly. For example, each WC 1900 can broadcastthe status information every few seconds, tens of seconds, minutes ortens of minutes. In some implementations, the WCs 1900 can besynchronized to broadcast their respective status information at certaintimes to avoid occupying a large amount of collective bandwidth.Additionally, the broadcast period can be different for different sets(such as the zones described above) of WCs 1900 and at different times,for example, based on the positions of the respective IGUs in thebuilding and relative to the sun, or based on whether the roomsadjoining the IGUs are occupied.

In some other implementations, each of the WCs 1900 can broadcast itsstatus information in response to certain conditions, for example, whenstarting a tinting transition, when finishing a tinting transition, whenV_(Act) changes by a threshold, when I_(Act) changes by a threshold,when sensor data (for example, light intensity or temperature) changesby a threshold, when an occupancy sensor indicates the adjoining room isoccupied, or when entering or exiting a sleep mode. The NC 1800 canlisten for such broadcasted status information, and when it hears it,record the status information. Advantageously, in broadcastingimplementations, the time required to receive status information from aset of WCs 1900 is approximately cut in half because there is no need torequest the status information from the WCs 1900, and thus, no roundtripdelay associated with each WC 1900. Instead, there is only a one-waylatency associated with the time required to transmit the statusinformation from each WC 1900 to the NC 1800.

In some such implementations, rather than sending a tint command to eachof the WCs 1900 on a sequential basis, the NC 1800 can asynchronouslysend a tint command to a particular WC 1900 whether through a wired orwireless connection. For example, it may not be useful to send tintcommands to all of the WCs 1900 periodically. For example, it may bedesirable to asynchronously sent tint commands to only particular onesof the WCs 1900 that are to be transitioned to a different tint state,for which status information has just been (or has recently been)received, or to which a tint command has not been sent for a relativelylong duration of time.

Data Logger

In some implementations, the NC 1800 also includes a data logging module(or “data logger”) for recording data associated with the IGUscontrolled by the NC 1800. In some implementations, the data loggerrecords the status information included in each of some or all of theresponses to the status requests. As described above, the statusinformation that the WC 1900 communicates to the NC 1800 responsive toeach status request can include a tint status value (S) for the IGUs1902, a value indicating a particular stage in a tinting transition (forexample, a particular stage of a voltage control profile), a valueindicating whether the WC 1900 is in a sleep mode, a tint value (C), aset point voltage set by the WC 1900 based on the tint value (forexample, the value of the effective applied V_(Eff)), an actual voltagelevel V_(Act) measured, detected or otherwise determined across the ECDswithin the IGUs 1902, an actual current level I_(Act) measured, detectedor otherwise determined through the ECDs within the IGUs 1902, andvarious sensor data, for example, collected from photosensors ortemperature sensors integrated on or within the IGUs 1902.

In some implementations, the data logger within the NC 1800 collects andstores the various information received from the WCs 1900 in the form ofa comma-separated values (CSV) file or via another table-structured fileformat. For example, each row of the CSV file can be associated with arespective status request, and can include the values of C, S, V_(Eff),V_(Act) and I_(Act) as well as sensor data (or other data) received inresponse to the status request. In some implementations, each row isidentified by a timestamp corresponding to the respective status request(for example, when the status request was sent by the NC 1800, when thedata was collected by the WC 1900, when the response including the datawas transmitted by the WC 1900, or when the response was received by theNC 1800). In some implementations, each row also includes the CAN ID orother ID associated with the respective WC 1900.

In some other implementations, each row of the CSV file can include therequested data for all of the WCs 1900 controlled by the NC 1800. Asdescribed above, the NC 1800 can sequentially loop through all of theWCs 1900 it controls during each round of status requests. In some suchimplementations, each row of the CSV file is still identified by atimestamp (for example, in a first column), but the timestamp can beassociated with a start of each round of status requests, rather thaneach individual request. In one specific example, columns 2-6 canrespectively include the values C, S, V_(Eff), V_(Act) and I_(Act) for afirst one of the WCs 1900 controlled by the NC 1800, columns 7-11 canrespectively include the values C, S, V_(Eff), V_(Act) and I_(Act) for asecond one of the WCs 1900, columns 12-16 can respectively include thevalues C, S, V_(Eff), V_(Act) and I_(Act) for a third one of the WCs1900, and so on and so forth through all of the WCs 1900 controlled bythe NC 1800. The subsequent row in the CSV file can include therespective values for the next round of status requests. In someimplementations, each row also can include sensor data obtained fromphotosensors, temperature sensors or other sensors integrated with therespective IGUs controlled by each WC 1900. For example, such sensordata values can be entered into respective columns between the values ofC, S, V_(Eff), V_(Act) and I_(Act) for a first one of the WCs 1900 butbefore the values of C, S, V_(Eff), V_(Act) and I_(Act) for the next oneof the WCs 1900 in the row. Additionally or alternatively, each row caninclude sensor data values from one or more external sensors, forexample, the multi-sensor device 100 described above with respect toFIGS. 1-13. In some such implementations, the NC 1800 can send a statusrequest to the external sensors at the end of each round of statusrequests.

Protocol Conversion Module

As described above, one function of the NC 1800 can be in translatingbetween various upstream and downstream protocols, for example, toenable the distribution of information between WCs 1900 and the MC 1700or between the WCs and the outward-facing network 1610. In someimplementations, a protocol conversion module is responsible for suchtranslation or conversion services. In various implementations, theprotocol conversion module can be programmed to perform translationbetween any of a number of upstream protocols and any of a number ofdownstream protocols. As described above, such upstream protocols caninclude UDP protocols such as BACnet, TCP protocols such as oBix, otherprotocols built over these protocols as well as various wirelessprotocols. Downstream protocols can include, for example, CANopen, otherCAN-compatible protocol, and various wireless protocols including, forexample, protocols based on the IEEE 802.11 standard (for example,WiFi), protocols based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard (for example,ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, ISA100.11a, WirelessHART or MiWi), protocols based onthe Bluetooth standard (including the Classic Bluetooth, Bluetooth highspeed and Bluetooth low energy protocols and including the Bluetoothv4.0, v4.1 and v4.2 versions), or protocols based on the EnOceanstandard (ISO/IEC 14543-3-10).

Integrated Analytics

In some implementations, the NC 1800 uploads the information logged bythe data logger (for example, as a CSV file) to the MC 1700 on aperiodic basis, for example, every 24 hours. For example, the NC 1800can transmit a CSV file to the MC 1700 via the File Transfer Protocol(FTP) or another suitable protocol over an Ethernet data link 1616. Insome such implementations, the status information can then be stored inthe database 1620 or made accessible to applications over theoutward-facing network 1610.

In some implementations, the NC 1800 also can include functionality toanalyze the information logged by the data logger. For example, ananalytics module can receive and analyze the raw information logged bythe data logger in real time. In various implementations, the analyticsmodule can be programmed to make decisions based on the raw informationfrom the data logger. In some other implementations, the analyticsmodule can communicate with the database 1620 to analyze the statusinformation logged by the data logger after it is stored in the database1620. For example, the analytics module can compare raw values ofV_(Eff), V_(Act) and I_(Act) with expected values or expected ranges ofvalues and flag special conditions based on the comparison. For example,such flagged conditions can include power spikes indicating a short, anerror, or damage to an ECD. In some implementations, the analyticsmodule communicates such data to the tint determination module or to thepower management module.

In some implementations, the analytics module also can filter the rawdata received from the data logger to more intelligently or efficientlystore information in the database 1620. For example, the analyticsmodule can be programmed to pass only “interesting” information to adatabase manager for storage in the database 1620. For example,interesting information can include anomalous values, or values thatotherwise deviate from expected values (such as based on empirical orhistorical values). More detailed examples of how raw data can befiltered, parsed, temporarily stored, and efficiently stored long termin a database are described in PCT Patent Application No.PCT/2015/029675, filed on May 7, 2015 and titled “CONTROL METHOD FORTINTABLE WINDOWS,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

Database Manager

In some implementations, the NC 1800 includes a database manager module(or “database manager”) configured to store information logged by thedata logger to a database on a periodic basis, for example, every hour,every few hours or every 24 hours. In some implementations, the databasecan be an external database such as the database 1620 described above.In some other implementations, the database can be internal to the NC1800. For example, the database can be implemented as a time-seriesdatabase such as a Graphite database within the secondary memory 1806 ofthe NC 1800 or within another long term memory within the NC 1800. Insome example implementations, the database manager can be implemented asa Graphite Daemon executing as a background process, task, sub-task orapplication within a multi-tasking operating system of the NC 1800.

In some implementations, the database 1620 can collectively refer to twoor more databases, each of which can store some or all of theinformation obtained by some or all of the NCs 1800 in the networksystem 1600. For example, it can be desirable to store copies of theinformation in multiple databases for redundancy purposes. In someimplementations, the database 1620 can collectively refer to a multitudeof databases, each of which is internal to a respective NC 1800 (such asa Graphite or other times-series database). It also can be desirable tostore copies of the information in multiple databases such that requestsfor information from applications including third party applications canbe distributed among the databases and handled more efficiently. In somesuch implementations, the databases can be periodically or otherwisesynchronized to maintain consistency.

In some implementations, the database manager also can filter datareceived from the analytics module to more intelligently or efficientlystore information in an internal or external database. For example, thedatabase manager can additionally or alternatively be programmed tostore only “interesting” information to a database. Again, interestinginformation can include anomalous values, or values that otherwisedeviate from expected values (such as based on empirical or historicalvalues). More detailed examples of how raw data can be filtered, parsed,temporarily stored, and efficiently stored long term in a database aredescribed PCT Patent Application No. PCT/2015/029675, filed on May 7,2015 and titled “CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS,” which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Tint Determination

In some implementations, the NC 1800 includes intelligence forcalculating, determining, selecting or otherwise generating tint valuesfor the IGUs 1902. For example, as similarly described above withreference to the MC 1700 of FIG. 17, a tint determination module canexecute various algorithms, tasks or subtasks to generate tint valuesbased on a combination of parameters. The combination of parameters caninclude, for example, the status information collected and stored by thedata logger. The combination of parameters also can include time orcalendar information such as the time of day, day of year or time ofseason. Additionally or alternatively, the combination of parameters caninclude solar calendar information such as, for example, the directionof the sun relative to the IGUs 1902. The combination of parameters alsocan include the outside temperature (external to the building), theinside temperature (within a room adjoining the target IGUs 1902), orthe temperature within the interior volume of the IGUs 1902. Thecombination of parameters also can include information about the weather(for example, whether it is clear, sunny, overcast, cloudy, raining orsnowing). Parameters such as the time of day, day of year, or directionof the sun can be programmed into and tracked by the NC 1800. Parameterssuch as the outside temperature, inside temperature or IGU temperaturecan be obtained from sensors in, on or around the building or sensorsintegrated on or within the IGUs 1902. In some implementations, variousparameters can be provided by, or determined based on informationprovided by, various applications including third party applicationsthat can communicate with the NC 1800 via an API. For example, thenetwork controller application, or the operating system in which itruns, can be programmed to provide the API.

In some implementations, the tint determination module also candetermine tint values based on user overrides received via variousmobile device applications, wall devices or other devices. In someimplementations, the tint determination module also can determine tintvalues based on commands or instructions received various applications,including third party applications and cloud-based applications. Forexample, such third party applications can include various monitoringservices including thermostat services, alert services (for example,fire detection), security services or other appliance automationservices. Additional examples of monitoring services and systems can befound in PCT/US2015/019031 filed on Mar. 5, 2015 and titled MONITORINGSITES CONTAINING SWITCHABLE OPTICAL DEVICES AND CONTROLLERS. Suchapplications can communicate with the tint determination module andother modules within the NC 1800 via one or more APIs. Some examples ofAPIs that the NC 1800 can enable are described in U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/088,943 filed 8 Dec. 2014 and titled“MULTIPLE INTERFACING SYSTEMS AT A SITE.”

Periphery Light Sensors in Mounting Form or Structure Attached toCircuit Board

In certain implementations, each light sensor at the periphery of amulti-sensor device 100 (or 1000) is attached to or enclosed in a formor mounting structure and electrical leads from the light sensor arebent around to connect with appropriate contacts on the circuit boardface. FIG. 20 shows a front view (top) and sectional view z-z′ (bottom)of a drawing of a light sensor 1112 that is enclosed in a mountingstructure 1113 attached to a flat circuit board 1534, according to anembodiment. The mounting structure 1113 may be a block of material ormaterial shape formed, for example, of plastic or thermoplastic such asnylon or polyamide, among other suitable materials. In other examples,the mounting structure 1113 may be formed of metallic material such asaluminum, cobalt or titanium, or a semi-metallic material such asalumide. Depending on the material, the mounting structure 1113 can be3D-printed, injection molded or formed via other suitable processes. Themounting structure 1113 includes an aperture shaped to receive the lightsensor 1112 and maintain the light sensor 1112 in a direction parallelto the flat circuit board 1534. The light sensor 1112 may also beadhered or otherwise connected to the inside of the aperture. The leads1115 from the back of the light sensor 1112 are bent at about 90 degreesto come down to connect with contact on the face of the circuit board1534. The leads 1115 may go through a conduit or other opening throughthe mounting structure to connect to the circuit board 1534. A singlelight sensor 1112 is shown for illustration purposes. It would beunderstood that multiple light sensors are included in themultiple-sensor device.

In one or more aspects, one or more of the functions described may beimplemented in hardware, digital electronic circuitry, analog electroniccircuitry, computer software, firmware, including the structuresdisclosed in this specification and their structural equivalentsthereof, or in any combination thereof. Certain implementations of thesubject matter described in this document also can be implemented as oneor more controllers, computer programs, or physical structures, forexample, one or more modules of computer program instructions, encodedon a computer storage media for execution by, or to control theoperation of window controllers, network controllers, and/or antennacontrollers. Any disclosed implementations presented as or forelectrochromic windows can be more generally implemented as or forswitchable optical devices (including windows, mirrors, etc.).

Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosuremay be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the genericprinciples defined herein may be applied to other implementationswithout departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, theclaims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shownherein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with thisdisclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein.Additionally, a person having ordinary skill in the art will readilyappreciate, the terms “upper” and “lower” are sometimes used for ease ofdescribing the figures, and indicate relative positions corresponding tothe orientation of the figure on a properly oriented page, and may notreflect the proper orientation of the devices as implemented.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the contextof separate implementations also can be implemented in combination in asingle implementation. Conversely, various features that are describedin the context of a single implementation also can be implemented inmultiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination.Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this does not necessarily mean that the operations are requiredto be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. Further, the drawings may schematically depict one more exampleprocesses in the form of a flow diagram. However, other operations thatare not depicted can be incorporated in the example processes that areschematically illustrated. For example, one or more additionaloperations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or betweenany of the illustrated operations. In certain circumstances,multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, theseparation of various system components in the implementations describedabove should not be understood as requiring such separation in allimplementations, and it should be understood that the described programcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singlesoftware product or packaged into multiple software products.Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of thefollowing claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims canbe performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for tinting one or more windows, theapparatus comprising: a structure having a closed circumference;photosensors coupled to the structure and disposed in the structureand/or along the structure, the photosensors configured to (I) sense sunradiation, and (II) generate data utilized in tinting the one or morewindows of a building, the structure configured to enable the sunradiation to reach the photosensors, wherein at least one photosensor ofthe photosensors is a pyrometer, and wherein (A) the at least onephotosensor that is the pyrometer comprises two or more photosensorsthat are pyrometers, and/or (B) (i) an axis of the pyrometer is parallelto (ii) an axis of at least one other photosensor of the photosensors;and a connector communicatively coupled to the photosensors andconfigured for communicating the data between the photosensors and oneor more controllers to control tinting of at least one of the one ormore windows.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of thephotosensors are configured to point skyward.
 3. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the structure has a closed geometric circumference.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein the closed geometric circumference is aring.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the photosensors include asubset of photosensors that is disposed about a vertical axis andoutward from the vertical axis.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theapparatus is configured to couple to, or include, an ethernet port. 7.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector communicatively coupledto the photosensors and configured for communicating the data betweenthe photosensors and the one or more controllers comprises cabling. 8.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein (i) the axis of the pyrometer isparallel to (ii) the axis of the at least one other photosensor of thephotosensors.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least onephotosensor that is the pyrometer comprises the two or more photosensorsthat are the pyrometers.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein (A) theat least one photosensor that is the pyrometer comprises the two or morephotosensors that are the pyrometers, and (B) (i) the axis of thepyrometer is parallel to (ii) the axis of the at least one otherphotosensor of the photosensors.
 11. A method of tinting one or morewindows, the method comprising: (a) using a rooftop sensing system to(I) sense sun radiation, and (II) generate data utilized in tinting theone or more windows of a building onto which the rooftop sensing systemis mounted to, the rooftop sensing system comprising photosensorsdisposed in a structure and/or along the structure, the structureconfigured to enable the sun radiation to reach the photosensors, thestructure having a closed circumference, wherein at least onephotosensor of the photosensors is a pyrometer, and wherein (A) the atleast one photosensor that is the pyrometer comprises two or morephotosensors that are pyrometers, and/or (B) (i) an axis of thepyrometer is parallel to (ii) an axis of at least one other photosensorof the photosensors; (b) receiving the data from the photosensors; and(c) using the data to control the tint of at least one of the one ormore windows.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein one or more of thephotosensors are configured to point skyward.
 13. The method of claim11, wherein the structure has a closed geometric circumference.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the closed geometric circumference is aring.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the photosensors include asubset of photosensors that is disposed about a vertical axis andoutward from the vertical axis.
 16. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising using an ethernet port to communicate the data.
 17. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising transiting the data to a cloudfor analysis.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein (i) the axis of thepyrometer is parallel to (ii) the axis of the at least one otherphotosensor of the photosensors.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein theat least one photosensor that is the pyrometer comprises the two or morephotosensors that are the pyrometers.
 20. The method of claim 11,wherein (A) the at least one photosensor that is the pyrometer comprisesthe two or more photosensors that are the pyrometers, and (B) (i) theaxis of the pyrometer is parallel to (ii) the axis of the at least oneother photosensor of the photosensors.
 21. An apparatus for tinting oneor more windows, the apparatus comprising one or more controllerscomprising circuitry, the one or more controllers configured to: (a)communicatively couple to a rooftop sensing system that comprisesphotosensors disposed in a structure and/or along the structure, thephotosensors configured to (I) sense sun radiation, and (II) generatedata utilized in tinting the one or more windows of a building, thestructure configured to enable the sun radiation to reach thephotosensors, the structure having a closed circumference, wherein atleast one photosensor of the photosensors is a pyrometer, and wherein(A) the at least one photosensor that is the pyrometer comprises two ormore photosensors that are pyrometers, and/or (B) (i) an axis of thepyrometer is parallel to (ii) an axis of at least one other photosensorof the photosensors; (b) direct the photosensors to sense radiation andgenerate the data; and (c) communicate, or direct communication of, thedata to control the tint of at least one of the one or more windows. 22.The apparatus of claim 21, wherein one or more of the photosensors areconfigured to point skyward.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein thestructure has a closed geometric circumference.
 24. The apparatus ofclaim 23, wherein the closed geometric circumference is a ring.
 25. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein the photosensors include a subset ofphotosensors that is disposed about a vertical axis and outward from thevertical axis.
 26. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the apparatus isconfigured to couple to, or include, an ethernet port.
 27. The apparatusof claim 21, wherein (i) the axis of the pyrometer is parallel to (ii)the axis of the at least one other photosensor of the photosensors. 28.The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least one photosensor that isthe pyrometer comprises the two or more photosensors that are thepyrometers.
 29. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein (A) the at least onephotosensor that is the pyrometer comprises the two or more photosensorsthat are the pyrometers, and (B) (i) the axis of the pyrometer isparallel to (ii) the axis of the at least one other photosensor of thephotosensors.
 30. A non-transitory computer program product for tintingone or more windows, the non-transitory computer program productcontaining instructions inscribed thereon which, when executed by one ormore processors, cause the one or more processors to execute operations,comprising: (a) direct a rooftop sensing system to sense and generatedata, the rooftop sensing system comprising photosensors disposed in astructure and/or along the structure, the photosensors configured to (I)sense sun radiation, and (II) generate data utilized in tinting the oneor more windows of a building, the structure configured to enable thesun radiation to reach the photosensors, the structure having a closedcircumference, wherein at least one photosensor of the photosensors is apyrometer, and wherein (A) the at least one photosensor that is thepyrometer comprises two or more photosensors that are pyrometers, and/or(B) (i) an axis of the pyrometer is parallel to (ii) an axis of at leastone other photosensor of the photosensors; and (b) communicate, ordirect communication of, the data to control the tint of at least one ofthe one or more windows.
 31. The non-transitory computer program productof claim 30, wherein one or more of the photosensors are configured topoint skyward.
 32. The non-transitory computer program product of claim30, wherein the structure has a closed geometric circumference.
 33. Thenon-transitory computer program product of claim 32, wherein the closedgeometric circumference is a ring.
 34. The non-transitory computerprogram product of claim 32, wherein the photosensors include a subsetof photosensors that is disposed about a vertical axis and outward fromthe vertical axis.
 35. The non-transitory computer program product ofclaim 32, wherein the operations comprise communicating the data usingan ethernet port.
 36. The non-transitory computer program product ofclaim 30, wherein (i) the axis of the pyrometer is parallel to (ii) theaxis of the at least one other photosensor of the photosensors.
 37. Thenon-transitory computer program product of claim 30, wherein the atleast one photosensor that is the pyrometer comprises the two or morephotosensors that are the pyrometers.
 38. The non-transitory computerprogram product of claim 30, wherein (A) the at least one photosensorthat is the pyrometer comprises the two or more photosensors that arethe pyrometers, and (B) (i) the axis of the pyrometer is parallel to(ii) the axis of the at least one other photosensor of the photosensors.